I’ve finished 10 races and won’t race this year. Do I need to register or pay a fee to maintain my priority status?
How many entrants race?
What are the race divisions?
Who is a priority racer?
Who is a veteran racer or has 10-year status?
Where’s my lottery application info from last year?
Why does the race registration collect emergency contact information?
Why do I have to pay to enter the lottery or to select the Skip-a-Year option?
If I am selected in the lottery, can I give my race spot to someone else?
Is the race safe for my child and how old do they have to be?
If I don’t get in by lottery or lost my Priority Racer Status, what can I do?
When did the First 225 Finishers Rule get repealed, and why?
I’ve finished 10 or more adult races and plan not to race this year. Do I need to register or pay a fee to maintain my priority status?
If you have completed 10 or more adult races you do not need to register, nor pay a fee, nor do you need to use the Skip-a-Year option. Your Priority Registration Status will be maintained.
Back to top of page
How many entrants race?
Because of the environmental impact and safety issues, the number of entrants is restricted to 375 men, 375 women, and 300 juniors (150 boys and 150 girls). Given that some entrants do not ultimately participate for various reasons, the number of actual racers is considerably lower and varies year-to-year.
Back to top of page
What are the race divisions?
Junior Racers: Entrants must be at least 7 years old and under 18 years old on July 4th. Boys and girls compete in the same race but results are separated by gender.
Adult Racers: Entrants must be at least 18 years old on July 4th. Men and Women compete in different races.
| Race | Division(s) | Number of Waves | Participant Max | Official Race Time |
| Juniors’ Race | Boys and Girls | 1 | 150 boys
150 girls |
within 1 hour, 30 minutes, 0 seconds |
| Men’s Race | Men | 3 | 375 | within 2 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds |
| Women’s Race | Women | 3 | 375 | within 2 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds |
Who is a priority racer?
See priority.
Back to top of page
Who has 10-Year Status?
This is a term used to designate a person who meets the following criteria:
- Prior to 2020 received an official adult race finish or submitted a deferral in 2019; and
- Officially completed 10 or more Mount Marathon adult races.
Junior race finishes DO NOT apply to 10-year-status. 10-year status gives a registrant priority status.
Where’s my lottery application info from last year?
Beginning in 2014, the lottery selection process began using a new, weighted formula that increases the odds of someone winning a lottery place based on the number of consecutive times they have unsuccessfully applied. Once selected for the race, their lottery weight resets to zero.
Back to top of page
Why does the race registration collect emergency contact information?
The emergency contact information provided must be someone who can be reached on race day and is familiar with you and the race. Emergency contact information is required for a variety of reasons. If a racer is injured on the race course the emergency medical service providers will use this information to reach the contact. Emergency contacts are called when junior racers do not reach the cutoff checkpoint before the cutoff time. Additionally, if we cannot reach the racer by phone, we will call emergency contacts for racers who pick up their bibs but are not recorded as starting or finishing the race.
Back to top of page
Why do I have to pay to enter the lottery or to select the Skip-a-Year option?
The Mount Marathon Race is put on by the Seward Chamber of Commerce each year. While we have numerous volunteers who donate their time to make this event happen, it is still a costly endeavor and we rely on entry fees to offset the cost of the race. We are required to carry Special Event Insurance before we can put on this event. In addition, the race requires timing services, awards, audio speakers and announcers, electricity, porta-potties, waste removal, and specialized equipment. There are also costs associated with the race registration process, maintaining the website, and tracking results. These costs are in addition to other services (rescue services and communications gear, for example) that are generously donated.
We try to minimize the cost of applying as much as possible. Therefore, lottery applicants are charged a reduced rate during the application process. Applicants selected in the lottery will be notified by email, and then remit an additional fee via PayPal by April 30.
Back to top of page
If I am selected in the Lottery, can I give my race spot to someone else?
Absolutely not. If you are selected to run through the application and lottery process, the bib number assigned to you belongs to only you. If you are unable to participate, you can not designate another individual to run in your place, nor can organizers open your spot for another applicant. Those who give their bib to an unregistered racer (a bandit) may be banned from future races (along with the bandit).
Back to top of page
Is the race safe for my child and how old do they have to be?
You are required to sign a waiver liability form on your child’s behalf, which may cause you some concern. The race course is challenging even for juniors who climb half the mountain. However, the trail is routinely climbed by people of all ages. Only you can determine whether your child can handle the physical challenge, and we encourage you to hike the trail with him or her several times before race day. Familiarity with the course is essential for safety.
Junior Racers must be at least 7 years old on July 4. If you have a very small child, keep in mind that all juniors start the race together, so you may want him or her to begin the race near the rear or sides of the pack.
Options for younger racers include the Mini-Marathon Race, or an older child can volunteer in a variety of positions — and get a volunteer t-shirt!
Back to top of page
If I don’t get in by lottery or lost my Priority Racer Status, what can I do?
If you are an adult, you may participate in the auction on July 3 or you can purchase raffle tickets at $10 each for the opportunity to win one reserved slot. Raffle tickets are sold from 5-5:50 p.m. at the auction venue. If neither of those options are feasible, we encourage you to participate in the race as a volunteer and be sure to apply for next year’s race on March 1.
Back to top of page
When did the First 225 Finishers Rule get repealed, and why?
The First 225 Finishers Rule for priority status was repealed after the 2019 race. To earn priority registration in 2021, adult racers will need to finish the 2020 race in the top 50 percent of their age group. This replaces the First 225 Finishers Rule for priority registration. Priority registration guarantees a runner entry provided they register between March 1-31.
- To ensure that inspirational older participants are not displaced, the existing Top 10 Age Group Finishers Rule for priority registration will remain.
- This rule is designed to increase the number of lottery spots and selection odds.