Prince of Wales Island International Marathon
Craig, United States · Saturday 23 May 2026
Held in Craig on Prince of Wales Island in southeast Alaska, this marathon draws runners to one of the state's more remote race venues. The island setting provides a genuine sense of isolation and wild character, far from the typical race infrastructure found in urban marathons. Runners should expect authentic Alaskan scenery and conditions, along with the kind of challenge that comes from racing in a less developed area where logistics and support are more limited than at larger events. The course is a trail marathon that climbs and descends throughout, with moderate elevation changes that add up over the full distance. Runners will navigate terrain that rises from sea level to just over 100 meters above it, with around 387 meters of total elevation gain to manage across the 42.2 kilometers. The moderately hilly character means this isn't a fast course, and participants should prepare for the physical demands of sustained climbing rather than the repetitive pounding of road racing. Trail conditions will require attention and footwork, making this a race where technical ability and mountain endurance matter as much as pure speed.
Difficulty Calculator
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:m
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Adjusted Time
4:39:07
Time difference: +39.1 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain387m
Elevation High111m
Elevation Low6m
Weather Forecast
High9°C
Low5°C
Chance of Rain88%
Prince of Wales Island International Marathon 2026 Course Analysis
Prince of Wales Island International Marathon is a full marathon held in Craig, United States, scheduled for Saturday 23 May 2026. The course is run on trail surface with 387m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 111m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Prince of Wales Island International Marathon website.
Elevation Profile
This is a hilly course with 387m of total elevation gain. The route climbs from 6m to as high as 111m above sea level — a substantial 105m elevation range. Runners should train on hills and plan for a more conservative pacing strategy, especially on the climbs.
Expected Race Day Weather
Based on historical weather data for May, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Cold conditions are expected, with temperatures between 5°C and 9°C. While cold weather reduces overheating risk, runners should dress in layers and be prepared for potential wind chill. There is a high chance of rain (88%). Runners should prepare for wet conditions, including appropriate footwear and clothing choices.
Surface Type: Trail
Prince of Wales Island International Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.
How Difficult Is Prince of Wales Island International Marathon?
Our difficulty rating for Prince of Wales Island International Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Prince of Wales Island International Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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