Marathon under the Midnight Sun: on June 18, racers from around the world gather in Alaska for a 26.2-mile race.

• Author: Pilkington, Steve
• Position: Alaska This Month

This month, roughly 4,000 people are expected to don their gear and join the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon. Runners come from all 50 states and numerous countries to take part in the scenic run. On perfect days, the Chugach Mountains and the waters of Cook Inlet make this marathon a scenic banquet as well as a qualifier for larger events, such as the Boston Marathon.

"This event to me is a ... foundational event for summer," said Michael Friess, race director for the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon. "It really brings Anchorage alive."

Since 1974, the race has brought runners out to take part, both in fund-raising for Alaska organizations, and to enjoy what the city can offer during summer solstice. Besides the main 26.2-mile marathon, the event has added various lengths to allow anyone, even novice athletes, to take part.

"The half marathon is really growing in popularity," Friess said. "It's certainly a challenging event, but it doesn't wipe you out."

This year the marathon starts on June 18. The main event is 26.2 miles in length. It begins at Bartlett High School and travels through the eastern foothills, across Anchorage to the West High School finish line. Scenic city bike trails, gravel and paved roadways make up this gently rolling to extended downhill course. The race is sanctioned by USA Track and Field, Friess said, and is recognized by the Boston Marathon as a qualifying event. The race start is at 8 a.m. All must finish the race by 4:30 p.m. A special award, known as the Visitor's Cup, is presented to the best performance by an out-of-state female and male.

The half marathon (13.1 miles) begins and ends at West High School. The course travels West Northern Lights Boulevard for 3 miles, then follows the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail past Earthquake Park and Point Woronzof until it finally turns around at mile 6.5. The return route follows the Coastal Trail for 6 miles until it reaches Westchester Lagoon...