
Willow, United States of America · Thursday 26 November 2026
Hatcher Pass Marathon, held on August 2, 2025, in Palmer, Alaska, is a scenic and challenging event that takes runners through one of the most beautiful areas in the Matanuska-Susitna valley. The course features an intense elevation gain of roughly 3900 feet, with the first 25 miles being uphill. The race starts at Willow and finishes at the iconic Hatcher Pass Lodge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.\n\nThe event includes a marathon, 50-mile ultra-marathon, and relay opt
Adjusted Time
4:12:49
Time difference: +12.8 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Hatcher Pass Marathon is a full marathon held in Willow, United States of America, scheduled for Thursday 26 November 2026. The course is run on mixed surface with 0m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 0m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Hatcher Pass Marathon website.
This is a very flat course with only 0m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 0m to 0m above sea level — a 0m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Based on historical weather data for November, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Moderate temperatures between 16°C and 18°C are expected. While comfortable for most runners, those targeting fast times should pay attention to hydration, as these temperatures can impact performance over the full distance. There is a low chance of rain (9%), so dry conditions are likely.
Hatcher Pass Marathon features a mixed-surface course, combining sections of road with unpaved terrain such as gravel paths, parkland, or boardwalks. Mixed courses add variety but also introduce some unpredictability in footing. Runners should expect slightly slower times compared to a pure road marathon, and road-trail hybrid shoes may be the best footwear option.
Our difficulty rating for Hatcher Pass Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Hatcher Pass Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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