Fodor's Expert Review Mt. Marathon Race
The Kenai Peninsula and Southcentral Alaska
Festivals
An event held every July 4 since 1915, this race attracts runners and spectators from near and far while the entire town of Seward celebrates. The whole affair takes less than an hour, but the route is arduous: straight up the mountain (3,022 feet) and back down to the center of town. Racers are chosen on a lottery basis; enter before April for a chance, and be sure to book a hotel room well in advance.