Alaska is a bright, harsh, and overwhelming kingdom of ice, thick forests, and beautiful lakes in which snow-capped mountain peaks are reflected. It is worth visiting to see the magical beauty described in novels by Jack London with your own eyes.
The state offers breathtaking walks through nature reserves, exhausting climbs on glaciers, dizzying river rafting, as well as unforgettable running races that provide the perfect opportunity to soak in its many wonders.
Below is a list of our favorite Alaska races.
Alaska 5k Races
1. Diaper Dash
Sep 10, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Virtual Option
Anchorage, AK
The first annual Diaper Dash is hosted by Alaska Adoption Services to raise awareness and funds for the Community Diaper Pantry, a program of Alaska Adoption Services. The Diaper Dash will be held on September 10, 2022.
You can participate individually or on a team. This is a family-friendly event and a fun race for people of all levels.
The course starts at the Waldron/Bancroft Pond off Shelikof Street. The event is timed in partnership with Skinny Raven.
All participants can take their race bib to Bread and Brew for free Truffle Fries.
2. Scotty Gomez 5K
Sep 10, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Anchorage, AK
The 2nd Annual Scotty Gomez 5K will be held on September 10, 2022. Founders encourage you to wear your favorite hockey or sports jersey for the second Scotty Gomez Foundation Alaska 5K. The course runs along Ship Creek trail near downtown Anchorage.
The Scotty Gomez Foundation provides opportunities and assistance for youth hockey in Alaska.
3. Hit the Trails Family Fun Run
Oct 1, 2022 – Saturday
5K, 2K trail run
Anchorage, AK
The Hit the Trails Family Fun Run will be held on October 1, 2022.
You can join the 2K or 5K run on scenic trails next to Trailside Elementary and Service High School! This race is for all levels and can be run, jogged, or walked. No dogs are allowed.
Entry fee:
- 2K & 5K adult (17+) $20
- 2K & 5K youth (16 and under) $12
- Family of 5+ (you choose 2K or 5K) $70
Great Alaska Running 10K
4. KMXT Run the Rock
Oct 8, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run
Kodiak, AK
The KMXT Run the Rock will be held on October 8, 2022, and is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
It is a family-friendly race featuring a marathon, half marathon, 10k, and 5k.
The marathon starts on Near Island, runs across the bridge, through town, and out to the golf course, then joins the half marathon and 10k courses which run through the beautiful Buskin Lake valley and back to the Bear Valley Golf Course. The Marathon route is a paved and gravel road. The half and 10k are on a gravel road.
5. Anchorage Salmon Run
May 6, 2023 – Saturday
10K, 5K, 2K run
Anchorage, AK
The 32nd Annual Anchorage Salmon Run will be held on May 6, 2023.
It is a fun family run from Inlet View Elementary along the Coastal Trail. The course has one downhill at the beginning along N st., then becomes flat!
The Salmon Run is a great spring race to start your running season.
Inlet View Elementary is located in downtown Anchorage and is the oldest traditional elementary school in town. All proceeds will benefit the school.
Alaska Half Marathons
6. HooDoo Half Marathon
Oct 1, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M run
Fairbanks, AK
The 7th Annual HooDoo Half Marathon will be held on October 1, 2022.
It is a super fun, high-energy, point-to-point race with over 600 athletes. No matter rain, sleet, snow, or shine, everybody will run for beer!
You can run, walk, or jog 13.1 miles (21.1km).
The race starts at 10 am sharp at TRAX Outdoor Center, 310 Birch Hill Rd., and finishes at HooDoo Brewing Co., 1951 Fox Ave.
There will be a 5-hour time limit.
7. Zombie Half Marathon
Oct 8, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M run
Virtual Option
Anchorage, AK
The Zombie Half Marathon will be held on October 8, 2022.
You are encouraged to run in costume. So wear your best zombie outfit for this event, held on the Coastal and Chester Creek trails. The run will take place regardless of weather conditions.
The Zombie Half Marathon is the qualifying event for the Sleeping Lady Challenge.
Alaska Marathons
8. Girdwood Marathon
Oct 1, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M run | kids run
Anchorage, AK
The Girdwood Marathon will be held on October 1, 2022. You can choose between a full 26.2-mile marathon or a 13.1-mile half-marathon. The full starts at 9:00 am, and the half starts at 10:00 am.
Both races start and finish in Girdwood. The route runs through town, along the Bird to Gird trail, and into the mountains with scenic autumn colors and views of snowy peaks.
There will be a few aid stations providing snacks! You have to bring bear spray, along with water. The race will start in waves – Men and Women will be separated by 5 minutes.
No dogs are allowed.
9. Prince of Wales Island Marathon
May 27, 2023 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M run | 26.2M relay
Craig, AK
The Prince of Wales Island Marathon will be held on May 27, 2023, and is a Boston Qualifier.
It is an out-and-back course that starts at the backdrop of the Sunnahae Mountain at Craig High School and heads north along the Klawock Channel, turning left at the Native clan house, along Boundary Road, which turns into Big Salt Lake Highway, where you can find scenic views of majestic lakes and clear streams.
It is a challenging course but inspires runners by showing off Southeast Alaska’s natural beauty. The Prince of Wales Island Marathon is USATF certified, #AK14007FW.
10. Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon
Jun 17, 2023 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5M run | 26.2M relay | kids run
Virtual Option
Anchorage, AK
The Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon will be held on June 17, 2023, and is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Each Summer Solstice, the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon brings people to the community from every state and several other countries to celebrate together. There will be nineteen hours (actually a bit more) of daylight, which amazes each person.
The Mayor’s Marathon is one of the best Anchorage marathons and is certified by USA Track and Field as a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
