Delta Junction Barley Half Marathon

The race starts on a gravel road near the Alaska Flour Company barley mill. After a few tenths of a mile racers turn left onto a dirt trail and begin running the first of several 1+ mile straightaways as they pass through wavy fields of barley. This trail section is in good condition, relatively flat, and may even be the fastest portion of the course if the wind is blowing from the east or south. The trail takes a few right angle turns before continuing straight to its junction with Barley Way at mile 3, where the first aid station is located. Racers turn left onto Barley Way and follow the gravel road for a half-mile, then turn right onto a smaller gravel road that eventually turns into a rough, rutted dirt trail before intersecting Hanson Road around mile 4.75. Runners turn right (east) onto Hanson Road and follow it for 2.5 miles until it ends, the longest straightaway in the course and perhaps the section with the best views of the mountains. The second aid station is located about halfway down Hanson Road near mile 6. At the end of Hanson Road runners take a right and follow the section line trail for a mile south, encountering some minor hilly terrain along mile 8 before the trail takes a right and continues west for another mile. This trail section is modestly rutted but it’s possible to skirt most of the bumpy terrain, and the trees alongside the trail offer some of the only shade along the course on warm, sunny days as well as protection from the wind on gusty days. The trail intersects Barley Way again after mile 9, where the third aid station is waiting. Runners turn left (east) onto Barley Way where they complete an out-and-back section, turning around after 7/8 miles and running west in the opposite direction along Barley Way, passing by the third aid station again. Runners can see who’s trailing them and cheer each other on along this out-and-back section. With slightly under 2 miles to go runners make their last turn left onto a dirt trail with the barley mill ahead in the distance promising relief at the finish line. The dirt transitions to gravel with under a mile to go. It’s time to empty the tank and finish strong!

The course is not (and cannot) be USATF certified, but careful measurement has been performed to ensure the course length is as close to the standard half marathon distance of 13 miles 192.5 yards as possible. Minor adjustments to the course may be made prior to the race.

Runners should expect to run a slower pace than they would in a road half marathon, especially on the bumpier trail portions along miles 5, 8, and 9. But with several long straightaways, few curves, mild elevation gain & loss, and level running surfaces over most of the course, overall finish times are generally within five minutes of road half marathon finish times, especially for those who train on trails. Trail running shoes might be useful over portions of the course, but a pair of standard road running shoes will handle just fine. The wind is always a wildcard in Delta Junction, and if the wind is gusting from the SE like it often does, the last couple miles of the race can be challenging running directly into the wind on tired legs. However, the race starts early in the morning when winds are usually lightest, and the loop design of the course ensures that runners will roughly cover the same distance being positively and negatively affected by wind. The early start should also avoid potentially hot weather, but this is a long distance summer race so make sure to focus on proper hydration before and throughout! This is also Alaska, so watch for moose and other wildlife (including bison!) during the race, especially along the woodline from mile 7 to mile 9. Don’t get close to wildlife!

The course borders private, planted farmland over its entire length, so please be respectful and stay on the course to avoid trampling crops or trespassing on private land. Participants should remain alert to traffic along Barley Way and potentially Hanson Road, although vehicular traffic on these roads is minimal and drivers will be encouraged to detour around the race route.