2 fun run events in Palmer, Alaska

Come join us as we celebrate the start of running season in Alaska with the Valley Thaw Out Races!

Grab your friends, family, and cohorts and sign up to run some spring miles together! There is a distance for everyone at this family friendly race. Races include a kids Fun Run, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and NEW this year...a Full Marathon. Please see age restrictions for each distance.

The Valley Thaw Out Races are a fundraiser for the MatSu Running Club, a non profit group offering coached running workouts and group runs throughout the spring and summer.

THE COURSE:

All races will start and finish at Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm on Bodenburg Loop. 4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645

• 5K: Course will be an out and back on Bodenburg Loop. (Ages 7+)

• 10K: Runners will head out on Bodenburg Loop until they reach the Glenn Highway, they will then turn RIGHT onto the bike path and run down to the next Bodenburg Loop Rd where they will turn RIGHT again and follow the road back to Pyrah's. Full disclosure...this full loop is just a bit longer than a strict 10K. (Ages 7+)

• Half Marathon: Runners will head out on Bodenburg Loop until they reach the Glenn Highway, they will then turn LEFT onto the bike path and continue on the bike path until the turnaround by Virginia Ave. From the turnaround they will take the bike path to the SECOND Bodenburg Loop Rd where they will turn RIGHT and follow the road back to Pyrah's. (Ages 10+)

• Marathon: Runners will head out on Bodenburg Loop until they reach the Glenn Highway, they will then turn LEFT onto the bike path and continue on the bike path to Airport Rd where they will turn LEFT. Runners will make their way to the Outer Springer Loop before returning back to the bike path via Airport Rd. Once on the bike path runners will continue on to the SECOND Bodenburg Loop Rd where they will turn RIGHT and follow the road back to Pyrah's. (Ages 14+)

• Kid's Run: A fun loop around the beautiful farmlands of Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm. (Ages 10 & under. Adult/Older sibling may chaperone runner.)

COURSE RESTRICTIONS:

We will NOT be closing traffic to Bodenburg Loop Road. Runners will run on the shoulder against traffic. The 5K and 10K are open to children 7 and over, the Half is open to children 10 and over, the Marathon is open to children 14 and over. YOU are responsible for ensuring that your child understands the rules of the road. Any child under the age of 10 MUST have an adult running with them for the duration of the race. Race volunteers will assist with any crossings and blind corners. Due to these conditions there will be NO STROLLERS OR DOGS allowed the course. Failure to adhere to these regulations WILL result in a disqualification and/or removal from the race.

RACE CAPS:

In compliance with our permits for this event, the race cap is 250 participants across all divisions (excluding kids run.) We anticipate selling out quickly and once we do will establish a wait list for those hoping to get in.

START TIMES:

Marathon: 9:00AM

Half Marathon: 10:00AM

10K: 10:30AM

5K: 11:00AM

Kids Run: 11:30AM

BIB PICKUP:

Thursday, April 23: 5:00-7:00pm at AKtive Soles Performance Footwear Wasilla, (984 N Meridian Pl, Suite D, Wasilla, AK)

Saturday, April 25: at registration tent at Pyrah's (4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK)

• Marathon: 8:00-8:30am

• Half Marathon: 9:00-9:30am

• 10K: 9:30-10:00am

• 5K: 10:00-10:30am

Yes, you may pick up your friend's bib. No, you may not exchange your shirt size.

RACE SWAG:

All 5K/10K/Half/Marathon finishers will receive:

• 2026 Race Shirt* (if registered by March 21)

• Finisher's Medal

• VTOR Sticker

Kid's finishers will receive:

• Finisher's Token

• VTOR Sticker

*NOTE: The last day to register and be guaranteed a shirt is Saturday, March 21, 2026.

REGISTRATION POLICY:

Registration will open on November 7, 2025 at 8:00am and close on April 18, 2026 at midnight. Due to the cost of putting on events like this there will be NO refunds or deferments allowed. (Please consider purchasing race insurance at checkout if this is a concern for you.) There is NO day of race registration.

RACE PARTNER:

The Valley Thaw Out Races is a fundraising event for the MatSu Running Club, a non-profit running club in the Matanuska Susitna Valley. A portion of the race proceeds go directly to the club in support of their mission to help new and seasoned runners meet personal goals, create community, and increase the joy and satisfaction of running. For more information you can visit their website here: MatSu Running Club

Join us for a community 5K trail race dedicated to raising funds for Kuuk Water.

The Run for Impact 5k is more than just a race—it’s an opportunity for individuals, families, and local businesses to come together in support of Kuuk Water’s mission to serve Alaskan communities. This event directly benefits Kuuk’s ongoing initiatives, including disaster relief efforts, clean water access, community recycling programs, youth-focused services such as Kid’s Cupboard, and broader community improvement projects across Alaska.

Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to lace up and join the cause. The 5K distance is welcoming for beginners while still offering a rewarding challenge for experienced runners, creating a shared sense of accomplishment for everyone involved. By participating, you’re not only embracing a healthy and energizing activity—you’re helping provide essential resources, strengthen local communities, and support meaningful, on-the-ground projects that make a lasting difference throughout Alaska.

Race will take place on the Colony High School XC trails.

All spectators and athletes will need to park outside of the gated stadium area

5K Race 11:00AKDT-12:30AKDT

This will start in the front soccer field near the school and continue through Colony XC trails with flaggers to keep you on course. This is a moderately difficult rolling grass trail. No strollers or pets are permitted on the course during the race.

Kid's Untimed Fun Run 10:00AKDT-10:30AKDT

Children 10 and under run a free 1K around out and back on the loop on trails and finish in the soccer field. Volunteers will monitor the course during the fun run. Please ensure there is an adult present for your child when they are finished running.

T-Shirts: MUST register by May 23 to be guaranteed size/shirt.

Bib Pick Up: Starting at 8:30am on race day near the start tent (Kid's Run participant will NOT have bibs)

Race Day Registration: From 8:00am - 9:00am. If paying with card you will be asked to register online through RunSignUp. Cash payments (exact) will also be accepted.

Discounts: Family Pack Option ($120 for four family members)

Transfers/Deferrals/Refunds: There are NO bib or entry transfers allowed. NO deferrals or refunds. Please consider adding RunSignUp race protection if this is a concern.