Novakovich rules mountain
Annette Shacklett | The Seward Phoenix LOG
Matthew Novakovich crosses the Mount Marathon Race finish line with a time of 44:07.
King of the Mountain in 2012 is Matthew Novakovich. The 38-year-old runner from Anchorage finished the treacherous 3.5-mile course up and down 3,022-foot Mount Marathon in 44 minutes and 7 seconds, the fourth fastest time on record.
After finishing fifth in the race last year, Novakovich went into extreme training for this year’s race. The roofing contractor trained for his fourth running of the race mostly indoors on a modified a treadmill to give him an incline of 40 percent to match the mountain’s 38 percent average incline. The athlete is also a former Tour of Anchorage champion.
Two-time winner Trond Flagstad, 42 of Anchorage, came in second with a time 44:26 for the course. Flagstad’s descent from the top was just 10:33.
Matias Saari, 41 of Anchorage, crossed the finish line in third place with a time of 45:13. Saari won the race in 2009.
The course was muddy and slippery after two days of rain, but the fog cover lifted for the 85th annual men’s race.
Bill Spencer’s 1981 time of 43:21 continues to hold the record.
Photos
More photos in the photos section. (Click the "photos" link above, then select "July 4, 2012.")
All Men's Race Results