From Muddy Trails to Majestic Peaks: An Unforgettable Journey at the Equinox Marathon and Denali National Park

Luther Hill (MM9045, DA1429, HF7963) – Fairbanks Alaska state #47 Equinox marathon. Oh what a trip! Weather that day at the base of the Ester dome was rainy and trail run muddy and technical for this street runner. At the top after a grueling several miles uphill in snowy conditions we were rewarded with passage through a snow covered elms that formed a frames.
After playing in the mud with the locals some wearing shorts and teva sandals to do this crazy mountain course we headed to Cena hot springs north of Fairbanks followed up with a day in Denali National Park. Although the steets at the base of the entrance had rolled up for the end of the summer season, we managed to see a fox and a porcupine. Views of Mt McKinley and others were stunning.
Though we did not get to see the northern lights a bummer due to low cloud cover and overcast conditions, we did happen to see them from the return trip passing over Canada.