Relay Rundown

MatSu Relay is split into 12 legs and is most commonly completed by a team of 6. This allows each runner to run 2 times. The TRADITIONAL (but by no means mandatory) method of splitting up legs is for the team to run in a sequential rotation, where runner 1 does legs 1 & 7, runner 2 does 2 & 8, and so on.

Teams start from Independence Mine (near Hatcher Pass) in waves on Saturday morning and finish in Palmer in the later afternoon. Typically they take 6-9 hours.

No worries!
NxNW prides itself on accommodating teams of ALL paces, from practically (or literally) walking to sub-6ers. Most teams participate for the camaraderie, spirit, and goofiness that develop in these events. You'll see themed team names, wacky costumes, even the occasional epic finish line battle.

Highly Varied. We’ve had snow fall at the start line the day before the race, yet every year the sun comes out and the temperature rises into the 50s in the afternoon.

Yes, for several legs the course is on road shoulder with active traffic. Most of these roads have sizable shoulder for safe running. On legs 2 & 3, where the shoulder is much narrower, we have the fog line coned by traffic control and increased signage for traffic.

The race finishes on the grass at the Palmer Alehouse. See what cool things to expect HERE.