From a summer solstice marathon to two challenging mountain climbs, learn more about destination races in Anchorage.

(Feature image by Keith Fearnow; athlete pictured is David Norris)

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Summer race season in Anchorage delivers road and trail adventures in picturesque settings. It’s the perfect season to plan a destination race and escape the heat from the lower 48.

Celebrate June’s summer solstice by running at the annual Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon and Half Marathon. The race starts in Kincaid Park and runs along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail overlooking Cook Inlet. A couple of months later, the Anchorage RunFest features a half marathon, full marathon, and 49K. Both events have relay options for designated distances.

If you’re looking for a trail challenge, the annual Mount Marathon 4th of July event in Seward is a 5K race up and down a mountain. Also in July, the Cirque Series Alyeska 10K in Girdwood is a steep climb with 3,890 feet in elevation gain on the way up the mountain before racing back down.

Explore details of these and other destination races in Anchorage and nearby, listed by calendar date.

• Twilight 12K
• Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon & Half Marathon
• Skinny Raven Half & 10K
• Mount Marathon Race
• Cirque Series Alyeska
• Anchorage RunFest
• Alaska Distance Classic

Looking for more information on running in Anchorage?
Read the Anchorage City Guide for runners.

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Twilight 12K

May | Anchorage | 12K, 6K
The Twilight 12K and 6K are scheduled on the evening of a First Friday in downtown Anchorage. Both distances start in front of Skinny Raven’s downtown location and finish a few blocks away at the Rose Garden in Delaney Park. The 12K crosses over Ship Creek for a run through the Government Hill neighborhood, a unique aspect of an Anchorage race course. After you finish, stick around for a local beer, food, and First Friday festivities.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 56 degrees; low of 40 degrees; average of 48 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: Not listed
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: Not listed
• Race Swag: T-shirt, a beer for participants 21+, optional trucker hat
• Distance from Airport: 10-minute drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

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Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon & Half Marathon

June | Anchorage | Marathon, Half Marathon, 4.7 Miles
Landing on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice, the annual Mayor’s Marathon has a long history in Anchorage. It was formerly called the Midnight Sun Mayor’s Marathon and began in the evening hours. Today, the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon starts in the morning, giving runners plenty of time after the race to explore the Summer Solstice Festival in downtown Anchorage, check out a local brewery or two, or head out to other trails around and beyond Anchorage.

The half marathon and marathon courses start in Kincaid Park and take runners along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail overlooking Cook Inlet. The marathon course continues east on the Chester Creek Trail, the forested trails around the University of Alaska, and into Far North Bicentennial Park. On your return, you’ll finish at Delaney Park. Relay teams of four can partake in the full marathon. If you’re looking for a shorter distance, sign up for the 4.7-mile Solstice Classic. Finish-line festivities include a beer garden and plenty of snacks. Race proceeds support the MOA Parks and Recreation Department.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 63 degrees; low of 48 degrees; average of 56 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: Not listed
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: 7.5 hours (marathon); 6.5 hours (half marathon); 6 hours (4.7 miles)
• Race Swag: T-shirt, finisher’s medal
• Distance from Airport: 15-minute drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

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Skinny Raven Half & 10K

July | Anchorage | Half Marathon, 10K
This midsummer race starts and finishes at the Centennial Rose Garden, on the west side of Delaney Park in downtown Anchorage. You’ll run south from the park, then west to the Westchester Lagoon Overlook before hopping onto the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. At Point Woronzof Park, the route follows an airport runway-adjacent road to the turnaround point. An optional early wave start time gives half marathon runners an extra 30 minutes to complete the course (3 hours total). July is the perfect time of year to extend your stay and further explore downtown and the nearby trails.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 66 degrees; low of 53 degrees; average of 60 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: Not listed
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: 3 hours (half marathon)
• Race Swag: Long-sleeve tech shirt, finisher’s medal, finisher’s glass, complimentary lunch, and a cider for participants 21+
• Distance from Airport: 10-minute drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

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Mount Marathon Race

July | Seward | 5K mountain race
This 4th of July tradition to race up Mount Marathon in Seward, Alaska, began in 1915 and is said to be the oldest mountain race in the United States. The 1.5-mile trek up the mountain gives runners an unbeatable ocean and glacial view before the 1.5-mile descent. Participants should be experienced mountain runners — you’ll climb 2,675 feet in less than a mile. There are separate start times for juniors, men, and women (more details here). Due to the race’s popularity and a participation cap, a lottery selection process was established in 2003.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 66 degrees; low of 53 degrees; average of 60 degrees (based on Anchorage data)
• Course Elevation Change: Approximately 3,000 feet in elevation gain and loss
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: 2.5 hours
• Race Swag: Not listed
• Distance from Airport: 2-hour, 20-minute drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

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Cirque Series Alyeska

July | Girdwood | 10K mountain race
This stop of the Cirque Series joins a lineup of races in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. The 10K has three wave starts beginning at 10 a.m., from Vendor Village at Sitzmark, and the race is capped at 700 runners. The course is a serious climb, with 3,890 feet in elevation gain on the way up, and 3,890 feet in elevation loss as you descend. At the top, enjoy views of the Chugach Mountains, glaciers, and other mountain peaks in the distance. About 6% of participants are professional and sponsored runners. Trekking poles and traction devices for shoes are permitted.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 66 degrees; low of 53 degrees; average of 60 degrees (based on Anchorage data)
• Course Elevation Change: 3,890-foot gain and loss
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: Participants must reach the 2.2-mile mark in 50 minutes (those who don’t will be rerouted to a “cutoff course”).
• Race Swag: Snapback hat, finisher’s medal
• Prize Money: Top three professional finishers receive cash prizes (details on race categories here).
• Distance from Airport: 50-minute drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

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Anchorage RunFest

August | Anchorage | 49K, Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 5K
Alaska was the 49th state to be incorporated into the United States of America, and the 49K offers a unique race distance for runners who want a challenge. At just over 30 miles, you’ll see five notable hills along the route. It follows the full marathon course with a scenic addition into Kincaid Park.

The marathon runs along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail overlooking Cook Inlet and later joins the Chester Creek Trail. The half marathon course runs the north part of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and the Chester Creek Trail. All race distances start and end downtown. Relay teams of two, three, or four people can participate in the marathon distance in the following categories: mixed, female, male, master’s, company/nonprofit. Anchorage RunFest is Anchorage Running Club’s largest annual fundraising event.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 64 degrees; low of 51 degrees; average of 58 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: Not listed
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: 7 hours (marathon)
• Race Swag: Long-sleeve tech shirt, finisher’s medal, complimentary beer for participants 21+
• Distance from Airport: 10-minute drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

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Alaska Distance Classic

August | Anchorage | 10K, 5K, Double-Up
Races start at Alaska Pacific University and run through the forested area of APU and the University of Alaska. Choose the 5K or the 10K, or compete in both — the Double-Up — to receive a special finishers medal. (The 10K starts 45 minutes after the 5K.) Once you cross the finish line, enjoy a complimentary root beer float. The Alaska Distance Classic helps raise funds for Special Olympics Alaska.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 64 degrees; low of 51 degrees; average of 58 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: Not listed
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: Not listed; 10K starts 45 minutes after the 5K start time
• Race Swag: Tech T-shirt, root beer float, finishers medal for Double-Up finishers
• Distance from Airport: 20-minute drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

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*Average Race Month Weather is based on the National Weather Service’s historical data.

Explore more destination races here.

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PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ANCHORAGE

Your Guide to Running in Anchorage

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