Valley Thaw Out Races
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Valley Thaw Out Races : overview
The Valley Thaw Out Races take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Palmer, AK at 4350 Bodenburg Loop (Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm). The event includes the following distances:
- Half Marathon : $70
- 10K : $55
- 5K : $40
- Kids 1K Run : $0
The event is a fundraiser for the MatSu Running Club, a non-profit in the Matanuska Susitna Valley. Race proceeds support the club’s activities and running programs. The total participant cap is 250 across all divisions, excluding the kids run.
Course, entry rules, and swag
All races start and finish at Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm on Bodenburg Loop. The 5K is an out-and-back on Bodenburg Loop. The 10K follows Bodenburg Loop to the Glenn Highway, uses the bike path, and returns to Pyrah's; the full loop is noted as slightly longer than a strict 10K. The half marathon follows Bodenburg Loop, continues on the bike path to a turnaround by Virginia Ave, then returns via the second Bodenburg Loop road. The kids 1K is a loop around farm fields; adult or older sibling chaperones may run with children.
Traffic on Bodenburg Loop will remain open; runners use the shoulder and run against traffic. Age minimums: 5K and 10K open to ages 7 and over, half marathon open to ages 10 and over. Any child under 10 must run with an adult. No strollers or dogs are allowed. 5K/10K/half finishers receive a race shirt (if registered by March 23, 2025), a finisher's medal, and a VTOR sticker; kids receive a finisher token and sticker. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.