Missing 411: The Mysterious Disappearance of Paul LeMaitre on Alaska's Deadliest Mountain Race
The Mount Marathon Race in Seward, Alaska draws participants into a deceptively challenging course each July 4th. Despite being just over three miles in length, this grueling competition forces runners to climb 3,022 feet up Mount Marathon before descending back to town. The race features average inclines of 38 degrees, with sections ranging from near-vertical climbs to treacherous shale beds that become particularly hazardous in wet conditions.
The 2012 race proved especially dangerous after overnight rain left the trail slick at just 52°F (11.1°C). Multiple serious injuries occurred that day, including two racers who suffered severe trauma at the same treacherous spot. Among the participants was Paul Lemay, a 65-year-old French-born businessman known for attempting physical challenges without proper training. Despite attending a rookie session where participants were explicitly warned not to race without having walked the trail, Lemay decided to participate anyway, ultimately falling significantly behind other competitors.
Key Takeaways
The Mount Marathon Race combines a short 3-mile distance with extreme 3,022-foot elevation changes and dangerous 38-degree average slopes.
Weather conditions in 2012 created particularly hazardous racing conditions, leading to multiple serious injuries among participants.
Paul Lemay, an untrained 65-year-old, ignored safety warnings and fell significantly behind during the challenging course.
Mount Marathon: Alaska's Most Challenging Race
The Mount Marathon Race in Seward, Alaska is an iconic event held annually on July 4th. Despite being just over three miles in length, this competition is extraordinarily demanding, requiring participants to climb 3,022 feet up Mount Marathon to Race Point before descending back to town.
The small coastal town of Seward (population 2,500) transforms each Independence Day to host this grueling competition. The race features an average 38-degree incline and includes sections that are nearly vertical. The course record stands at an impressive 41 minutes and 26 seconds, with racers typically averaging 2 mph uphill and 12 mph downhill.
The 2012 race proved particularly hazardous. Following overnight rain, temperatures hovered around 52°F (11.11°C), creating slick conditions with patches of snow and ice. The race that year saw several serious injuries, including Penny Aspen, an Iraq War veteran and former Blackhawk pilot, who broke ribs and lacerated her liver after sliding over a ledge.
The race structure includes three divisions:
Juniors (under 18)
Women (18+)
Men (18+)
Each adult division typically caps at 350 participants. The course begins in downtown Seward before quickly reaching the mountain's challenging terrain. Racers first encounter a near-vertical rock face requiring hand climbing, followed by a steep dirt trail at a 60-grade incline.
The middle section features a dense spruce forest before opening to exposed shale and loose rock. After reaching Race Point (marked by a prominent rock), competitors must make crucial decisions about their descent route, with options ranging from safer paths to near free-fall sections.
Minor injuries are common during the race, but serious incidents remain relatively rare. The typical Alaskan participant's fitness level contributes to overall safety, though the unique challenges of this extreme race ensure it remains one of North America's most distinctive athletic events.
Race Challenges
Steep Elevation and Terrain
The Mount Marathon Race presents competitors with a deceptively short but incredibly demanding course. While only spanning just over three miles, racers must conquer a punishing elevation gain of 3,022 feet. The average incline throughout the course sits at approximately 38 degrees, with sections ranging from nearly vertical climbs to flatter stretches.
Some portions require actual rock climbing skills, beginning with a near-vertical rock face that demands hand climbing immediately after leaving downtown Seward. This is followed by an intense 30-degree slope on a dirt trail. The middle section features a dense spruce forest that obscures visibility, both from below and for the racers themselves.
Weather Elements
Despite taking place on July 4th, Alaska's northern location means temperatures typically hover around 50°F (11°C) even in summer. The 2012 race experienced particularly challenging conditions with temperatures at just 52°F following overnight rainfall.
These conditions created exceptionally slick trails with dangerous sections containing snow flows covering ice underneath. Without specialized equipment like crampons, racers wearing standard running shoes faced significant hazards navigating these slippery surfaces. The combination of cold temperatures, wet conditions, and challenging terrain created a particularly treacherous race environment.
Hazardous Conditions
The race terrain varies dramatically, contributing to its difficulty. After emerging from the forested area, racers encounter exposed shale beds where loose rock can cause ankle-deep sliding with each step.
The descent presents particularly dangerous challenges, with options ranging from safer routes to near free-fall sections where competitors must catch themselves on occasional ledges. These conditions led to several significant injuries during the 2012 race:
Racer Category Injury Penny Aspen Women's Broken ribs, lacerated liver Matthew Kenny Men's Severe brain damage, broken legs Paul Lemay Men's Missing (later determined fatality)
Minor injuries like cuts, sprains, broken bones and concussions are relatively common, though serious injuries are rare. The race's difficulty is such that the course record stands at just 41 minutes, 26 seconds, with average uphill speeds of 2 mph and downhill speeds of 12 mph.
Race Incidents of 2012
Weather and Course Conditions
The 2012 Mount Marathon Race presented challenging conditions for participants. Rain the night before left the trail slick and hazardous, with temperatures hovering around 52°F (11.1°C). Several sections featured snow flows with hidden ice beneath, creating treacherous running surfaces especially for competitors wearing standard running shoes rather than specialized footwear like crampons.
The course itself featured extreme terrain with an average incline/decline of 38 degrees, including near-vertical sections that required climbing skills. The 3.1-mile route included a demanding 3,022-foot elevation gain and subsequent descent, making it one of the most challenging short-distance races in North America.
Notable Injuries
The 2012 race saw an unusual number of serious injuries compared to previous years. Penny Aspen, an Iraq War veteran and former Blackhawk pilot, suffered multiple broken ribs and a lacerated liver after sliding over a particularly hazardous ledge during her run.
Matthew Kenny encountered similar misfortune at the same treacherous spot during the men's division race. His injuries were severe:
Broken bones in both legs
Significant brain trauma
Complete memory loss of the race itself
These incidents represented rare but serious outcomes in a race where minor injuries like cuts, sprains, and bruises are common but severe trauma is typically uncommon.
Paul Lemay's Fateful Participation
Paul Lemay, a 65-year-old French-born businessman who had integrated well into Alaskan life, became the day's most tragic participant. Despite his regular fitness routine and recent completion of a 12K race, Lemay lacked specific preparation for Mount Marathon's unique challenges.
Background and Character:
Worked as a grief counselor at a local Air Force base
Volunteered with children orphaned by the 9/11 attacks
Had twice completed the Iditarod ski race (finishing last both times)
Known for attempting challenging events without proper training
Lemay attended a pre-race orientation where instructor Tim Liebling explicitly warned participants not to compete without having previously walked the trail. Disregarding this advice, Lemay started his race at 3:15 PM on 4th Avenue in downtown Seward.
During his ascent, Lemay fell significantly behind other competitors. By the time he reached race steward Tom Walsh, he was approximately 45 minutes behind the person identified as the "last runner." The final photograph of Lemay shows him smiling while climbing the exposed rock section, notably without carrying water. Despite reaching within 200 feet of the race point turnaround, Lemay's participation would ultimately lead to tragic consequences on the mountain.
The Racers' Profile
Mount Marathon Race attracts a diverse group of competitors, each bringing unique backgrounds to this challenging Alaskan event. The race, held annually on July 4th in Seward, draws participants ready to tackle its brutal 3-mile course with a 3,022-foot elevation gain.
In 2012, three racers faced particularly severe consequences on the rain-slicked course. Penny Aspen, an Iraq War veteran and former Blackhawk pilot, sustained broken ribs and a lacerated liver after sliding over a ledge. Matthew Kenny later slid in the same area, suffering severe brain damage and breaking both legs.
Paul Lemay, 65, stood out among the competitors. Despite his age, the French-born businessman maintained an impressive physique with a full head of brown hair, blue eyes, and a solid build. His approach to athletics was characterized by enthusiasm rather than preparation.
Lemay's Background:
65-year-old businessman from France
Married American and integrated into Alaskan life
Worked as a grief counselor, volunteering with 9/11 orphans
Counseled military personnel transitioning to civilian life
Previously completed a 12K race
Regular gym-goer
Lemay had a history of undertaking challenging events without proper training. He had twice skied the Iditarod, finishing last both times. In another notable incident, he and a friend survived getting blown off course while boating, with his companion remarking they likely survived only because "they entertained God."
Despite attending a rookie training session before Mount Marathon where instructor Tim Liebling explicitly warned untrained participants not to compete, Lemay proceeded undeterred. He began his race at 3:15 PM, quickly falling behind as the course turned from downtown streets to a near-vertical rock face requiring hand-climbing.
By the time Lemay reached Tom Walsh, the race steward positioned near the turnaround point, he was 45 minutes behind who was thought to be the last competitor. The final photograph of Lemay shows him smiling as he ascended the exposed rock section, notably carrying no water despite the demanding conditions.
Course Details
Start Location and Early Challenges
The Mount Marathon Race begins in downtown Seward, with participants setting off from 4th Avenue. Within minutes of starting, racers encounter their first significant obstacle - a nearly vertical rock face requiring hand-over-hand climbing techniques. This challenging start is immediately followed by a steep dirt trail with a 30-degree slope (60% grade). These initial obstacles quickly separate competitors based on their experience and conditioning levels.
The Dense Forest Section
After clearing the initial steep sections, participants enter a thick spruce forest that forms approximately the middle third of the course. This section is particularly notable because it's the only part of the race not visible from the town below. The densely packed trees create a challenging environment where racers must navigate between trunks and over roots while maintaining their pace. Weather conditions can significantly affect this section, with rain making the path slippery and treacherous.
The Shale Field and Rock Exposures
Emerging from the forest, racers encounter a wide area of shale and exposed rock. This section presents unique hazards, particularly when conditions are wet. The loose shale can be unstable, sometimes allowing runners' feet to sink ankle-deep or deeper. After rain, like on July 4th, 2012, this section becomes especially dangerous with slick surfaces that provide minimal traction. Some areas even retain snow and ice beneath the surface despite the summer season.
Race Point and Descent Options
The midpoint of the course is marked by "Race Point," a false summit indicated by a large, distinctive rock. At this location, which sits approximately 3,022 feet above sea level, racers must make a 180-degree turn before beginning their descent. Here, competitors face critical decisions about their return route. Several options exist:
Safe routes: Longer but more controlled paths
Direct routes: Nearly vertical descents requiring technical skill
Middle options: Varying combinations of speed and safety
These decisions often determine race outcomes, as descent speeds can reach 12 miles per hour compared to the 2 miles per hour average on the ascent. The chosen path significantly impacts both finishing times and injury risk.
Paul Lemay's Final Mountain Journey
His Climb and Delays
Paul Lemay, a 65-year-old businessman with French origins, participated in the Mount Marathon Race on July 4th, 2012. Despite his regular gym attendance and recent completion of a 12K, Lemay approached this challenging Alaskan race without proper preparation. The conditions that day were particularly treacherous—the trail was slick from previous night's rain, with temperatures at 52°F and patches of snow concealing ice underneath.
Lemay began his race at 3:15 PM, running through downtown Seward before reaching the mountain's base. The course immediately presented a nearly vertical rock face requiring climbers to use their hands, followed by a steep 30-degree dirt trail. Lemay quickly fell behind other competitors on this initial ascent.
By the time he reached the upper portions of the course, he was approximately 45 minutes behind what race officials believed was the last runner. This significant delay would become a critical factor in the day's events.
The Final Image
The last photograph capturing Paul Lemay shows him ascending the exposed rocky section of Mount Marathon. In this image, he appears to be smiling and in good spirits despite the challenging terrain. Notably, he carried no water with him during this strenuous climb, which featured average inclines of 38 degrees with sections approaching vertical.
The photograph reveals a man with a full head of brown hair and solid physical build for his age, seemingly undeterred by the difficult conditions. This final visual record of Lemay on the mountain stands as testimony to his determined character and willingness to tackle challenges without hesitation, traits that were well-known among those familiar with him.
The Encounter with Tom Walsh
Around 6:00 PM, Paul Lemay encountered Tom Walsh, the race steward positioned near the top of the course. This meeting occurred approximately 200 feet (60 meters) short of Race Point, the false summit that marked the turnaround location for competitors. By this time, Walsh had already begun preparations to leave, believing all racers had completed the uphill portion.
During their brief interaction, Lemay asked Walsh how far he was from the summit. Walsh informed him he was only about 200 feet away and confirmed that Lemay could still receive an official finish time if he continued. The large rock marking Race Point was clearly visible from their position, leaving no ambiguity about the remaining distance.
This encounter represented a pivotal moment in Lemay's race experience. Walsh provided clear directions, pointing toward the rock that Lemay needed to reach before turning around to begin his descent back to Seward.
Conclusion
The Mount Marathon Race of 2012 proved to be particularly hazardous due to the previous night's rainfall, creating slick conditions on an already challenging course. With temperatures at just 52°F (11.11°C), the trail featured wet surfaces and patches of snow with underlying ice, significantly increasing risk for participants.
This specific year saw several notable injuries. Military veteran Penny Aspen suffered broken ribs and a lacerated liver after sliding over a ledge. In the same area, Matthew Kenny experienced severe brain damage and broke both legs, losing all memory of the race itself.
Paul Lemay, a 65-year-old French-born businessman living in Alaska, became the most tragic casualty. Despite attending a rookie training session where participants were explicitly warned not to race without prior experience on the trail, Paul decided to participate anyway. This aligned with his personality—he had previously skied the Iditarod twice without training and often engaged in adventures unprepared.
During the race, Paul fell significantly behind, arriving at a checkpoint 45 minutes after officials believed the last runner had passed. Race steward Tom Walsh had begun packing up when Paul appeared around 6 p.m., still 200 feet from Race Point. Despite being severely delayed, Paul continued his attempt to complete the course, demonstrating the determination that characterized his approach to challenges throughout his life.
