Created to celebrate the 49th state, this ultra features the ultimate mix of Anchorage: stunning views along Turnagain Arm; vistas of distant downtown Anchorage; sweeping views of the front range of Chugach State Park; shaded trails through inland woods; and a start and finish in downtown. While mostly flat, we've included a few good hills, just so you'll remember you're in Alaska. The 2021 49K is a RRCA Western Regional Championship Event.
Our Marathon, Marathon Walk, and Marathon Relay USATF certified course has a few rolling hills and great views of the Aleutian Range, the Alaska Range, and the Chugach Mountains. Throw in a possible encounter with a moose or bear and you'll depart with the full Alaska experience! This marathon is also a Boston Marathon qualifier.
Currently our most popular event, the Half begins in downtown Anchorage and quickly joins the Coastal Trail. Its out and back course traces the edge of beautiful Westchester Lagoon, then heads further inland along the Chester Creek Trail, a wooded, shady route, to its easternmost turnaround. The return again follows the creek, though this time, heading blissfully downwards to the ocean and the finish in downtown Anchorage.
Our shortest Sunday race begins with a quick trot through downtown Anchorage to our Coastal Trail. From there you'll run with seaside breezes while viewing Mt. Susitna, locally known as "Sleeping Lady," on your ocean side. If fate smiles upon us, Denali will make an appearance to the north. The race finishes at the same location as its start.
We delight in bringing the mile road race back in vogue. Our Saturday race is flat as can be, centrally located, and superb for spectator viewing. Consider taking on the Back to Back Challenge: entering the mile on Saturday and any race held on Sunday. Participants receive a discount on their entry fees.
Anchorage "Healthy Heroes" (local elite athletes) begin our Saturday festivities with warm-up exercises for the whole family. The kids then kick off our weekend by running around a block of the downtown parkstrip. This non-timed event is followed by tons of kid-centered fun, Family Health and Safety Day, and the inspiring Anchorage Mile.
20 April 2020
After careful deliberation, Anchorage RunFest and the Running Club of Anchorage made a difficult decision. Read More.
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Anchorage RunFest is the largest event and the main fundraiser of the Anchorage Running Club. Visit the ARC site to see how you can become involved!
well organizedfriendly and supportive volunteersscenic coursesevents for the entire family
