ANCHORAGE – Over 1,400 runners participated in the 2021 Anchorage Mayor's Marathon, half marathon and 5K presented by ConocoPhillips Saturday. The races are organized through a partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage Athletic Department and the Municipality of Anchorage Park and Recreation Department.
Christopher Osiensky of Pocatello, Idaho led from the start until he was passed in the final half mile by Benjamin Kopecky of St. Louis, Mo, who would claim the win in 2:40.03. Osiensky finished second in 2:40.53. Nic Aubert of Los Angeles, Calif, was third in 2:46.29.
Megan Youngren of Soldotna took top honors in the women's marathon in a time of 3:07.43. Christine Meyer of Brooklyn, NY was second (3:11.41), and Kendra Paskvan of Anchorage was third (3:18.30).
This year the marathon featured a new course with a start at Kincaid. Runners made their way to West Chester Lagoon via the Coastal Trail before heading east on the Chester Creek Trail.
A momma bear with two cubs made an unexpected appearance on the course at Goose Lake shortly after the lead runners passed through. The Anchorage Police Department and the Alaska State Troopers quickly responded while race officials promptly stopped the race out of safety concerns. After a roughly 30-minute delay, the race course was diverted through the UAA campus before returning to the original course.
The race continued through Bi-Centennial Park before returning to Wester Chester Lagoon and the finish at the Park Strip.
The half-marathon started and finished at the Park Strip with racers running out-and-back along the Coastal Trail.
Corbyn John of Anchorage was the top male finisher in a time of 1:13.36, while Nolan Gerlach of Vacaville, Calif. was second in 1:16.52. Jacob Marshall of Copper Center, Alaska finished in 1:24.22 to complete the podium.
Anna Dalton won the women's half marathon, and finished third overall, in 1:21.59. Tsaina Mahlen of Anchorage was second in 1:26.11, and Susie Rivard of Fairbanks was third in 1:27.51.
The 5K was won by Preston Wethington of Anchorage in 16:03. Pedro Ochoa of Homer was second (17:01), and Will Mahaffy of Little Rock, Arkansas was third (17:08).
Arielle Breuninger of Lancaster, Penn. won the women's 5K in 19:32. S. Davies of Issaquah, Wash. was second (20:15), and Sara Miller of Anchorage was third (21:21).
