Valley Thaw Out Races
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Valley Thaw Out Races
The Valley Thaw Out Races take place on April 25, 2026 in Palmer, Alaska. All races start and finish at Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm, 4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer AK 99645. The event is a fundraiser for the MatSu Running Club, a local non-profit running club.
Distances offered:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10K
- 5K
- Kids 1K Run
Course notes and age rules: the 5K is an out-and-back on Bodenburg Loop. The 10K uses Bodenburg Loop and a bike path and is slightly longer than a strict 10K. The half marathon and marathon run portions on Bodenburg Loop and the bike path; the marathon extends to Airport Road and Outer Springer Loop. The kids run is a loop around the farm. Age minimums are 7 years for the 5K and 10K, 10 years for the half marathon, 14 years for the marathon, and 10 and under for the kids run (adult or older sibling may chaperone).
Safety and logistics: traffic on Bodenburg Loop will remain open; runners will use the shoulder and run against traffic. There will be volunteer assistance at crossings and blind corners. Strollers and dogs are not allowed. The overall race cap is 250 participants across divisions excluding the kids run.
Registration opens November 7, 2025 and closes April 18, 2026. There are no refunds or deferments and no day-of registration. Finishers of the 5K, 10K, half and marathon receive a race shirt (if registered by March 21, 2026), a finisher medal, and a VTOR sticker; kids receive a finisher token and sticker. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
