Come join us as we celebrate the start of the running season with the Valley Thaw Out races! The MatSu Running Club is excited to host this spring race series for the second year. The Valley Thaw Out Races offers a little something for everyone... a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon distances and new this year, a kids 1K fun run!

The Course:

All races will start and finish at Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm on Bodenburg Loop. Runners for all events will start from Pyrah's and turn left onto Bodenburg Loop Rd.

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. (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+)

Kid's 1K Fun: A fun loop around the beautiful farmlands of Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm. (Ages 9 & under)

Start Times:

Half Marathon: 10:00AM

10K: 10:30AM

5K: 11:00AM

Kids 1K: 11:30AM

Bib Pick Up:

Thursday, April 27: 5:00-7:00pm at AKtive Soles Performance Footwear Wasilla, (984 N Meridian Pl, Suite D, Wasilla, AK)

Saturday, April 29: 9:00-9:30am at registration tent at Pyrah's (4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK)

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. 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 Day Swag:

All paid participants will receive:

- Finisher's Medal

- VTO Sticker 

- Race T-shirt (unisex size)

**The last day to register and guarantee your shirt size is March 31** (Please note: we will not be reordering T-shirts this year. Sign up early to ensure your shirt and size. After March, 31, shirts will no longer be an option on registration and will be first come first serve at bib pickup or race day.)

*Kid's Run Participants*

Each kid will receive a medal and a sticker. Run is not timed so they will not need a bib.

Registration Policy:

Registration will open on January 1, 2023 at 8:00am and close on April 27, 2023 at midnight. Due to the cost of putting on events like this there will be NO refunds or deferments allowed. There is NO day of race registration.