Equinox Marathon 2026 Relay Information Sheet
Running Leg 1: You start from UAF SRC at 8:00 a.m. and finish at Goldstream Sports. There will be a shuttle provided by the Student Wrester Development Program for relay transportation from Goldstream Sports back to the UAF SRC. This shuttle will run from 9:00am – 11:15am.
Running Leg 2: We’ll provide bus and van shuttles at 8 a.m. (immediately after the race starts) until 8:30 a.m. (and no later!). The loading spot is next to the front steps of the Patty Center adjacent to the start area. Note that if you take these shuttles but are on a team that takes 90 minutes or longer to run leg 1, you’ll be waiting for a while. But Goldstream is a fun spot and a hub of activity!
The other option is to get yourself to Goldstream Sports; the best scenario is being dropped off so you don’t contribute to the parking challenges in the Goldstream Sports/Ann’s Greenhouses area.
You start your run at Goldstream Sports and finish at the top of Ester Dome; when you tag your Leg 3 runner make sure you both cross the timing mat.
Once you are done running, you can ride race-provided buses from the top of Ester Dome to either Goldstream Sports or UAF SRC (no private vehicles can drive to the top). Bus service will go until 2 p.m. (and some race officials will stay longer), so no Leg 2 runners will be stranded!
Running Leg 3: From 8:00-8:30 a.m., you may take the shuttles from the Patty Center to Goldstream Sports and support your leg 1 and leg 2 runners. Or you may transport yourself to Goldstream Sports; the best option is being dropped off.
Starting at 9:10 a.m., our shuttles will begin transporting leg 3 runners to the Relay Exchange zone at the top of Ester Dome. The bus stop is just across Ester Dome Road from Goldstream Sports near a cluster of mailboxes; it’s the same place as 2025.
The 12-passenger van will be the first shuttle vehicle to go up; it’s reserved for the fastest teams (first place after completing two legs last year took 1 hour, 48 minutes; 12th place was around 2:45; some teams take more than 4 hours). Once the 2 buses and shuttle are in motion, they’ll be driving a perpetual loop with staggered departure times. The ride to the top takes 15 minutes. Carefully consider when you want to head up so that you’re not waiting an excessively long time on top (Ester Dome can be chilly) but also not risking missing the finish tag of your leg 2 runner.
When one bus reaches the top, it will unload passengers and then serve as a warming station (if necessary) until the 2nd bus arrives (and then they’ll reverse roles).
Once you’re on top, keep an eye out for your relay runner approaching the exchange zone, make the tag before the timing mat (the BOTH runners must cross the timing mat) and then run/jog/hike to the finish where hopefully you can celebrate with your relay teammates!
OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES:
– PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF BUS TRAFFIC ATOP ESTER DOME –
Buses will be turning around in a congested area. Give the buses as much room as you can and be aware of their movements.
– The weather on Ester Dome can be rainy, windy and even snowy! –
Leg 2 runners can hand off dry clothes to their Leg 3 teammates as they complete their leg.
Leg 3 runners can also send their own warmup clothes back to UAF with their Leg 2 teammates. Bring your own bags for these exchanges.
– BIB PICKUP –
Bib pick up for the relay is from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, September 17 and 4-7 p.m. Friday, September 18 at Beaver Sports, 3480 College Rd. There is no relay bib pick up or team registration on race day.
– LEG AND BIB ASSIGNMENTS –
Once relay team members are assigned to a leg and bibs are assigned to a team member, it is critical for timing purposes that runners do not swap legs or bibs.