🏃 Races in Alaska

Experience something truly special at this year's second running of Alaska's Arctic Circle marathon, held in the remote town of Kotzebue and featuring both half marathon (13.1 miles) and full marathon (26.2 miles) routes that wind through gorgeous dirt roads, beaches, and backcountry trails. This welcoming community event celebrates the Iñupiaq heritage of long-distance running and opens its doors to runners, hikers, adventurers, and even local cyclists looking for an unforgettable challenge. Registration costs $100 for visitors ($25 for locals) and can be arranged through RunSignUp followed by direct payment to the City of Kotzebue at 907-442-3401 or via email for digital payment.

Join us in Anchorage for a meaningful community gathering dedicated to honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit+ relatives through movement and healing. You can participate in either a timed 5K run or an untimed 1-mile walk—it's free to join (though we'd appreciate a $30 donation if you're able), and everyone is welcome! Arrive at 11:00 AM for pre-race activities, with the main event kicking off at noon.

Get ready to test your speed at this high school cross country showcase happening at Bartlett High School in Anchorage, Alaska, where you'll compete against top runners and get a feel for what state competition will bring. It's the perfect opportunity to see where you stand before the big championship race rolls around. Come out and show what you've got on the course!

Get ready to run with purpose! The 773d Logistics Readiness Squadron invites you to participate in this meaningful 5K that honors five brave Ground Transportation Airmen—A1C Carl Anderson, A1C Erick M. Barnes, A1C Zachary R. Cuddeback, SrA Ashton Goodman, and SSgt Dustin W. Peters—who gave their lives in service. This local Alaska adaptation of a traditional Fort Leonard Wood memorial race keeps their memory alive while bringing our community together.

Join us for the v531Testing running race in test, AK on August 26, 2026! Come out for a day of running and community in beautiful Alaska.

Join the APU Nordic Ski Center team and some Olympian guides for an exciting autumn adventure through Alaska Pacific University's scenic trails and boggy terrain—it's a fantastic way to challenge yourself while exploring the beautiful Mahaffey trails! Best of all, this community event is completely free to enter, though donations are welcome to help support the Nordic program. Come ready to have fun, get a little muddy, and experience the great Alaskan outdoors!

Get ready for a fun 5K adventure right next to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport while supporting a fantastic cause—your race entry helps the American Cancer Society-Alaska provide free flights, rides, and lodging for Alaskans battling cancer who need treatment away from home. You're invited to create a personal fundraising page to collect donations from friends and family, and if you didn't set one up during registration, no worries—you can still join the fundraising efforts online. Grab your bib and swag on Thursday, August 20th from 4:30-6:30 PM at Downtown Skinny Raven Sports, with parking available on the gravel pad near Point Woronzof Road.

Calling all runners to Anchorage for a mountain adventure that gives back—this event channels race proceeds to support individuals living with Cystic Fibrosis. Lace up and join the community around Lost Lake, where your legs do the work and your heart does the good.

Calling all runners! This beloved event takes you from the KIC building parking lot at 615 Stedman St. up Deermount Street to Ketchikan Lakes Road and finally to the summit of Deer Mountain—a thrilling 3.5-mile push with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Best part? The race is completely free, though advance registration is requested so organizers can prepare sufficient refreshments at the finish line. For any questions, reach out to ktnrunningclub@gmail.com!

Join the Anchorage Running Club's premier fundraising event taking place August 15-16, 2026, where your participation supports free Kids' 2K races, college scholarships for high school runners, and local organizations promoting healthy lifestyles through running. The event kicks off at Delaney Park Strip (10th & H Street) on August 15th and continues at Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse (610 W 6th Ave) on August 16th, with bib pickup available on August 14th at 1st United Methodist Church starting at 6:30 PM. Remember to register by June 30, 2026, to guarantee your preferred shirt size!

Head out from Government Peak Recreation Area and tackle an 8-mile challenging route with approximately 5,000 feet of elevation gain that takes you up Government Peak, along the ridge to April Bowl, down to Summit Lake Parking Lot, and finally down to Independence Mine. You'll encounter diverse and demanding terrain including steep climbs, loose rock, shale, tundra, dirt road, and a short paved section, all of which can shift rapidly due to changing weather and conditions—so stay alert and aware throughout your run. Registration opens January 1st at 6am and closes August 8th at 11:59pm, though registrations after July 25th aren't guaranteed.

Celebrate the legacy of Dan Seavey, an Iditarod founder and first-race competitor, at this second annual 5K in Seward, AK hosted by the Iditarod Trail Blazers and Seward Sports and Recreation. Bring your leashed dog to run alongside you through four competitive categories (Adult Men's, Adult Women's, Youth Boys, and Youth Girl's), and choose your own staggered start time anytime between 10:00am and 1:00pm for a safe and fun experience for all participants and their furry friends. Grab your race bib starting at 8:30am on race day, then head to the Branson Pavilion afterward to enjoy the post-race festivities!

Lace up and celebrate the magic of the mile at your own pace, anywhere you want—whether that's your neighborhood streets or your favorite trail in Fairbanks! This virtual event welcomes everyone from speedsters chasing personal records to walkers taking their first steps, so pick a time and location that works for you and join the running community in honoring one of running's most iconic distances. It's simple, it's fun, and it's all about you enjoying that one special mile.

Get ready to celebrate the magic of the mile on your own terms! This virtual event lets you complete one mile however you like—whether that's running all-out for a personal record, taking a leisurely walk, or anything in between—on your schedule and in your favorite location. It's the perfect opportunity to join the running community in honoring one of running's most iconic distances, no matter your fitness level or experience.

Join runners and walkers everywhere in celebrating the magic of the mile this summer—complete just one mile at your own pace, whenever and wherever you want! Whether you're going for a personal record, returning from injury, or simply looking for a fun way to move, this virtual event welcomes everyone to experience the joy and simplicity of one of running's most iconic distances.

Get ready to support the Farthest North Girl Scouts while enjoying a scenic 5K walk or run through Fairbanks at Pioneer Park—featuring an out-and-back route along the beautiful Chena River bike path. The first 100 people to register will score a complimentary box of Girl Scout Cookies instead of the typical race shirt, and everyone heads home with a S'mores Kit to mark National S'mores Day. This is a great family outing where strollers are totally welcome, though you'll want to leave your furry friends behind for this one.

Come join the legal community in Anchorage for an enjoyable 5k run/walk that supports the Anchorage Youth Court! Organized by the Young Lawyers Section of the Anchorage Bar Association, this family-friendly annual event starts at Bootleggers Cove at Westchester Lagoon and costs $45 per adult entry (kids under 10 are free, though donations are welcome). Your registration includes a custom-designed t-shirt by Emory B. of Salt Chuck Art, plus refreshments provided by YLS, making it a great way to support a diversionary program where local youth learn the legal system by serving as attorneys, judges, and jurors in trials—just leave your pets at home!

Get ready to tackle some serious elevation with this fun run/hike through Anchorage's Hilltop Ski Area, featuring 1,288 feet of elevation gain over 3.1 miles and spectacular summit views—all while supporting The Christopher Walden House of Hope. The course's rolling terrain with short woodland trails makes it welcoming for runners and hikers of all levels, plus kids age 5 and up. Taking place August 8, 2026 (with packet pickup on August 6), this event also offers a virtual option running through August 16 if you'd prefer to participate from anywhere.

Join the 30th Annual Run for the Refuge and celebrate the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge while supporting the Northern Alaska Environmental Center's mission to protect Interior and Arctic Alaska. Lace up for an in-person event at University of Fairbanks trails, or go virtual and complete your own 5K or 10K adventure by running, walking, hiking, biking, or paddling—just share your experience on Facebook using #RunForTheRefuge and tag @NorthernCenter. Shirts are available for pre-order on Bonfire.com at $30 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under.

Looking for a fun way to get moving? Head to downtown Kenai for this community event featuring both 5K and 10K options on wheelchair-accessible paved routes that loop through the streets. You'll start and finish at Kenai Park Strip on Main Street Loop (across from First National Bank Alaska), with check-in beginning at 9:30 am and a group warm-up at 9:45 am—just park at the Old Carrs Mall since street parking isn't available.

Celebrate blueberry season with the Ketchikan Running Club's fun event featuring three distance options: 1 mile, 5k, and 10k races starting on Grant Street near the police department. KRC members save $5 on registration, and you can sign up online through July 30th, with race day packet pickup at the Rec Center on July 31st (4:30-7:30pm) or race morning at the start line. To guarantee your giveaway size and quantity, register before July 11th since items are ordered in advance for customization and shipping.

Join us at Alaska Pacific University for the Alaska Distance Classic, where you can choose to run a 5K, 10K, or both! If you're feeling ambitious and tackle both distances, you'll start the 5K first with the 10K beginning 45 minutes later—giving you time to finish and catch your breath before the second race. You'll enjoy a scenic loop through the beautiful woodlands surrounding the university campuses, plus all finishers receive special rewards (including root beer floats!), and your participation supports Special Olympics Alaska.

Join Turnagain Training's week-long summer triathlon camp in Anchorage where kids can develop skills in biking, swimming, and running while having a blast! Meeting Monday through Friday from 12-4pm at alternating locations (Kincaid Park on M/W/F and Service High on T/Th), campers will work on techniques like bike handling and cornering, participate in running and pool games, and practice transitions—plus enjoy a 30-minute snack break with triathlon-focused discussions. With instruction tailored for kids who love all three sports, this camp balances serious skill-building with plenty of fun activities throughout the week.

Get ready to experience Christmas spirit during summer at this festive race held at North Pole Middle School in Alaska! You can choose between a 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon distance while enjoying holiday-themed fun and atmosphere in warm weather. All finishers receive a custom medal and race shirt, with awards given to top finishers in men's and women's categories across standard age groups.