Looking for the top places to run, local running stores, group runs, and more? Here’s your guide to running in Anchorage.

(Feature photo by iStock.com/Jonathan Nafzger)

---

The Anchorage City Guide is developed in collaboration with Skinny Raven Sports. Read more about the running specialty store in the Running Stores section below!

One could argue that Anchorage, Alaska should be a bucket-list destination on every runner’s list. Whether you prefer road or trail, there are numerous options for both. No matter where you are, you’re surrounded by gorgeous landscape views in almost every direction.

It’s easy to hop on several running paths right from downtown Anchorage, including the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that overlooks Cook Inlet. For runners looking for more adventure, trails abound such as within nearby Kincaid Park and from the Campbell Airstrip Trailhead.

If you plan your visit over the 4th of July holiday, consider signing up for the Mount Marathon Race, an annual 5K tradition that runs up and down a mountain in Seward, Alaska. Several other summer races may influence your travel dates, such as the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon in June and the Alaska Distance Classic in August.

Bookmark this guide for your next trip to Anchorage. Rather than researching where to go, you can spend more time on the trails and visiting a local brewery or cidery after your run.

• Running in Anchorage
• When Is the Best Time to Visit Anchorage?
• Where to Run in Anchorage
• Running Stores in Anchorage
• Group Runs in Anchorage
• Destination Races in Anchorage
• Top Places to Eat in Anchorage After a Run

---

Running in Anchorage

With an expansive trail system, there’s something for every runner in Anchorage and its surrounding areas. From Campbell Creek and Chester Creek to Coastal Trail and Kincaid Park, many trails are connected and easy to navigate.

Choose between running in town on a paved path or one of the many dirt or gravel trails. If you’re looking for a challenge, the Hillside and Flattop areas will give you some elevation.

---

When Is the Best Time to Visit Anchorage?

May through September is peak tourism season in Anchorage, Alaska. This is when you can bask in the midnight sun. If you’re a winter lover, visit October through April. Most destination races in the Anchorage area are scheduled from May through August.

---

Where to Run in Anchorage

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
The Coastal Trail is rooted in downtown Anchorage and accessible by foot from many downtown hotels. Just lace up your shoes and hit the pavement. The trail overlooks the Cook Inlet, so you’re waterfront for most of the 11-mile route.

There’s a popular access point at N Street and West 5th Avenue. You can also hop on the trail at West 2nd Avenue and H Street. If you start downtown and run to Earthquake Park for an out and back, you’ll get a little more than 3 miles. The full trail length runs past Point Woronzof Park and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, then south into Kincaid Park. Find a full trail map and additional route information here.

In the summer, you’re bound to see plenty of birds. Closer to Kincaid Park, moose and bear sightings are common. If you’re looking for a fun activity on the Coastal Trail, check out the solar system by following the Anchorage Light Speed Planet Walk.

Campbell Airstrip Trailhead
Located on the east side of Anchorage, the Campbell Airstrip Trailhead is a connector to the Hilltop Ski Area trails. Most runners follow the main route for a 3.5-mile run, but you can adventure along the single-track trails to get more mileage. These trails are packed dirt and gravel, so road shoes are fine but trail shoes provide extra traction. Bring bear spray for this area — wildlife sightings are common. Find the Campbell Tract trail map here.

Kincaid Park
Navigate nearly 40 miles of trails within Kincaid Park, southeast of downtown Anchorage. You’ll find plenty of activities in this tranquil area: hiking, running, cycling, fishing, disc golf, soccer, motocross, and in the winter months cross-country skiing.

Kincaid Park is accessible from the Coastal Trail. You can also park in the Stadium Parking or Chalet Parking lots off Raspberry Road to start your run from within the park (no fees). Moose, bear, and bald eagle sightings are common here; don’t forget your bear spray! And be sure to spend some time admiring views of Cook Inlet and Denali. Find trail maps here.

For more places to run in Anchorage, check out the 4-mile Chester Creek Trail and the 7.5-mile Campbell Creek Trail.

As with any running route, take the necessary precautions for a safe run. Whenever possible, run with a buddy. Tell someone you know where you’re going and when you expect to return, bring your cell phone and an ID, and remain aware of your surroundings.

Read more in 11 Running Safety Tips Every Runner Should Follow.

Back to Top of Article

---

Running Stores in Anchorage

Skinny Raven Sports
Established in 1994, this specialty running store carries gear for both running and hiking. Staff members take runners through a treadmill gait analysis to recommend the best shoe options for each runner’s foot type. You’ll find a wide selection of brands including Altra, Brooks, Hoka, New Balance, Mizuno, On, Diadora, Birkenstock, COROS, Cotopaxi, Ooofos, Patagonia, Vuori, and others. If you’re looking for an Anchorage running shirt, check out Skinny Raven’s branded apparel. In addition to retail, Skinny Raven organizes annual races, such as the Alaska Distance Classic and Twilight 12K, and hosts three weekly group runs.
800 H Street, Anchorage; 907-274-7222
2727 West Dimond Boulevard, Anchorage; 907-339-9991

AKtive Soles
AKtive Soles opened its first location in Palmer, a 50-minute drive northeast of Anchorage, in 2007. The company’s Wasilla location opened in 2023. Owned by a doctor of physical therapy, the shops specialize in foot analysis and running shoe fitting services. Find brands such as Altra, Brooks, Hoka, Saucony, and others.
642 South Alaska Street, Palmer; 907-746-0600
984 North Meridian Place, Wasilla; 907-376-0722

Back to Top of Article

---

Group Runs in Anchorage

We aim to keep this guide updated, but things can change quickly! Before attending a run club on this list, call the associated store or check the group’s social media to confirm the date, time, and location.

AKtive Soles Happy Run
When: Mondays at 6 p.m.
Distance: Rotating routes of 2.5, 4, and 5 miles
Starting Point: AKtive Soles at 642 South Alaska Street, Palmer (run ends at Palmer Alehouse)

Raven Run Club
When: Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Distance: Various strength, tempo, and speed workouts; 75-90 minutes
Starting Point: Locations vary; check social media

Healthwise TNR
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Distance: 5K run and 2K walk options
Starting Point: Locations vary; check Instagram or Facebook

Raven Run Club’s Pub Run
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Distance: 5K
Starting Point: Skinny Raven’s downtown location at 800 H Street, Anchorage

Raven Run Club
When: Saturdays at 10 a.m.
Distance: Varies; long run day
Starting Point: Locations vary; check social media

Anchorage Running Club
When: Sundays at 12:30 p.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: Flattop Pizza + Pasta at 600 West 6th Avenue, Anchorage

Back to Top of Article

---

Destination Races in Anchorage

• Twilight 12K | May | Anchorage | 12K, 6K
• Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon & Half Marathon | June | Anchorage | Marathon, Half Marathon, 4.7 Miles
• Skinny Raven Half & 10K | July | Anchorage | Half Marathon, 10K
• Mount Marathon Race | July | Seward | 5K mountain race
• Cirque Series Alyeska | July | Girdwood | 10K mountain race
• Anchorage RunFest | August | Anchorage | 49K, Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 5K
• Alaska Distance Classic | August | Anchorage | 10K, 5K, Double-Up

Back to Top of Article

---

Top Places to Eat in Anchorage After a Run

Dark Horse Coffee Company — The perfect downtown spot to warm up after a run along the Coastal Trail or around Delaney Park. Dark Horse pours Heritage Coffee, which is roasted in Juneau. You’ll also find breakfast and lunch sandwiches (gluten-free bread available), quiche, a vegan pancake bowl, chia seed pudding, avocado toast, and more.
646 F Street, Anchorage; 907-279-0647

Double Shovel Cider Co. — Ciders range from sweet to dry and incorporate fruit and herbal infusions such as grapefruit-lavender and crimson and mint. Nonalcoholic beer, kombucha, and ginger beer are also available. For food, find salads in the taproom and a rotating lineup of food trucks during the summer.
502 West 58th Avenue, Anchorage; 907-562-1100

Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop — Baked fresh daily, you’ll find a selection of breads, croissants, scones, and muffins. Grab an item for breakfast after a morning run, or stop in for a lunch sandwich and a cookie later in the day.
718 K Street, Anchorage
2530 East 16th Avenue, Anchorage

Hearth Artisan Pizza — Creatively topped, Neapolitan-style pizzas with vegetarian options — think beet pesto, kale, goat cheese, and balsamic; blue cheese, pears, caramelized onion, and arugula; and barbecue chicken, sweet potato, provolone, and candied jalapeños. Veggie-packed salads are also on the list, along with craft beers, ciders, and kombucha on tap. During the summer months, opt to sit on the dog-friendly patio.
1200 West Northern Lights, Anchorage; 907-222-0888

Midnight Sun Brewing Co. — This local brewery has a full food menu including vegetarian options and a few gluten-free salads. Choose from a wide range of Midnight Sun beers, including a double pilsner, Belgian triple, saisons, sour ales, hazy IPAs, stouts, barley wines, and more.
8111 Dimond Hook Drive, Anchorage; 907-344-6653

Turnagain Brewing — Stop by the brewery’s tasting room for a post-run pint — it’s located just down the road from a Campbell Creek Trail access point! The beer list features a lager, IPAs, sours, Belgian ales, and reds. During the summer, you’ll likely find a food truck, and the patio welcomes canine friends.
7920 King Street, Anchorage; 907-646-2337

Back to Top of Article

More travel plans? Check out our other City Guides.

---

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ANCHORAGE:

Destination Races in Anchorage to Add to Your Calendar

---