MatSu Relay
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About the race
MatSu Relay takes place on September 12, 2026. The event covers 50 miles split into 12 legs. It is most commonly completed by a team of six, which allows each runner to run two legs. A traditional rotation pairs leg 1 with leg 7, leg 2 with leg 8, and so on, though teams may choose a different arrangement.
The route begins near Independence Mine by Hatcher Pass and descends along the Little Susitna River to the north side of the Valley. The course continues through farmland and forest, often showing full Autumn color, and finishes on the shore of Wasilla Lake at Everett’s. Everett’s provides a lakeside patio with appetizers and the event’s first beer or a non-alcoholic beverage.
Several legs run on road shoulders with active traffic; most shoulders are sizable. On legs 3 and 4 the shoulder is narrower, and the fog line is coned with extra signage and traffic control for runner safety.
MatSu offers multiple team types: Standard (5–6 runners), Ultra (3–4 runners), and Duo or Solo. For each team type there are three divisions with three gender splits (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed), creating 36 possible divisions. Divisions are Open, Masters (all runners over age 40), and Super Masters (all runners over age 50).
Typical completion times range from about six to nine hours. Weather is highly varied; past conditions have included snowfall near the start area and afternoon temperatures reaching the 50s. Each team must supply a volunteer or pay a volunteer fee used to hire local groups. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
