Many of Fairbanks’ favorite 5Ks and marathons - including Equinox - return in-person this summer

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Many of the summer events that bring the community together were absent last year during the early stages of the pandemic, including running events. This summer, many of the fan-favorites re returning in-person led by Running Club North (RCN) and other local running organizations.

”Our events look a little slimmer than in years past and a lot of that has to do with some events are still being conducted virtually just as locations and race directors feel comfortable with hosting the event in-person,” said Tamara Hall, calendar and media liaison for Running Club North. “We are here to promote running in the community and so we are super excited to be able to get out and do what our mission is.”

The Usibelli Race Series, the Drew Harrington Trail Series and the Equinox Marathon are some of the staples returning this summer. In effort for these events to take place, some adjustments needed to be made.

“We are going to discourage spectators for most races and are crying for everyone to sign up online, at least 24 hours in advance,” said Kuba Grzeda, Vice President of Running Club North. “Some of the courses might look a little bit different, though we are hopeful that things can mostly stay kind of steady. We are encouraging people to wear masks, especially when they’re not running. There are a couple of small changes, but we are just really excited that there is a possibility of in-person events this year.”

Notable events include the Independence Day Run, the Mosquito Meander, the Golden Heart Trail Run and the North Pole and Sourdough Triathlons. The Midnight Sun Run will be held virtually again, while the Gold Discovery Run has been canceled. The full list of summer running events can be found at the bottom of this article.

Equinox Marathon

For just the second time in its rich history, the Equinox Marathon had to cancel in 2020. The good news for those brave enough to face one of the toughest marathons in the world is that the grueling 26.2 mile race will be returning September 18, 2021 for the 58th edition.

“It is very important,” said Stacy Fisk, the Equinox Marathon race coordinator of the event’s return. “I think people are hungry for it this year and it kind of winds out the rest of the season. It is the known race up here in the Interior, and in Alaska general, and is one of the hardest in the nation.”

Similar to the other running events this year, there are some changes to this year’s Equinox.

“We are going to have the full Equinox, so if you really want to do the marathon, know that Ester Dome is going to be your friend still as it always has been,” said RCN President Arthur Hussey. “But, because of COVID, we are not going to have the relay this year because involves a lot of bus travel. Instead, it will be a half marathon.”

The last time the Equinox was held in September of 2019, Anchorage’s Aaron Fletcher broke a 35-year old course record with a time of 2 hours, 38 minutes and 14 seconds.

Copyright 2021 KTVF. All rights reserved.