Southcentral tourism highlights.

• Author: Hill, Robin Mackey
• Position: Alaska

Most Outside visitors spend at least some portion of their trip in and around southcentral Alaska, home to most of the state's residents. Hundreds of tourism businesses in the area give these Far North travelers plenty to do.

Travel agents and guide books offer an array of Southcentral adventure suggestions, ranging from riding on the Alaska Railroad to hiking in the Chugach mountains, fishing on the Kenai Peninsula and cruising in Prince William Sound.

Here's a taste of the adventures available from Southcentral tourism entrepreneurs.

A Mountain of a Race

Whether you're a participant or spectator, Seward's annual Fourth of July Mount Marathon race is a great way to celebrate the holiday. According to local folklore, the scramble up the town's 3,022-foot mountain began when two old-timers had an argument about whether it was possible to climb and descend the mountain in less than an hour.

Since the first official race was held in 1915, several participants have proved that it can be done. Eight-time winner Bill Spencer completed the course in 43:23 in 1981.

"It was the most fun race I've ever done," says race director Lori Draper. "The most exciting part is when you come down the mountain, and the crowd's lining the streets."

The race draws participants -- and spectators -- from all over Alaska, as well as from the Lower 48 and abroad. The event, which is part foot race, part climbing competition and part sheer madness, is grueling.

For more information, contact the Seward Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 748, Seward, AK 99664; (907) 224-8051.

Birder's Bonanza

Each spring, from the end of April to the middle of May, an estimated 14 million shorebirds move through Southcentral's Copper River Delta on their way to summer nesting grounds further north. The spectacle has prompted the U.S. Forest Service to offer informal workshops and guided tours for people who...