Fairbanks’ Equinox Marathon is widely regarded as one of the most difficult marathons in the nation. Runners endure an 1,800-foot ascent up Ester Dome, racing through wooded trails laced with tree roots and ruts and over gravel roads before braving a steep descent — sometimes in the snow.
Think that’s hard enough? Now imagine running it blind.
Brian Switzer will do exactly that on Saturday, when he runs the trail’s 26.2 miles in support of the Usher Syndrome Coalition’s campaign to “Own the Equinox” and raise awareness of the condition.