How to Watch the Mount Marathon Race in Seward

Every Fourth of July, the small town of Seward swells with thousands of spectators for one of the wildest races in America. Here's how to watch the Mount Marathon Race.

Where to watch

The start and finish are on Seward's streets, and the lower mountain gives you a view of the brutal climb and the even more jaw-dropping descent. Pick a spot along the route or near the finish chute.

Get there early

It's Seward's biggest day of the year and the town is packed. Arrive early for parking and a good viewing spot — and stick around for the Fourth of July festivities.

What you'll see

Racers sprint straight up a 3,022-foot peak and come flying back down over scree and cliffs. The top runners finish in well under an hour; the descent is the part you won't forget.

Plan around it with our Mount Marathon guide, see Fourth of July in Seward, and read how to enter the race.