Anchorage Fur Rendezvous
Known locally as “Rondy,” Anchorage Fur Rendezvous got its start in 1935 as a three-day sporting event timed to coincide with the return of miners and trappers. Even today, sports are a big part of Rondy and a bit on the wacky side. Wild events like outhouse races, snow sculptures, a frostbite footrace, snowshoe softball, the Running of the Reindeer and Yukigassen – team snowball fighting – mean lots of fun and plenty of friendly competition for bragging rights. Rondy is also home to the World Championship Sled Dog Races, the premier short-distance sled dog race. Art events offer Alaska Native crafts, juried photo exhibits and a fur and horn auction. But just as Rondy reaches its pinnacle, another event – perhaps the most iconic Alaska event – kicks off in Anchorage.
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race®
The 1,049-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® begins on the downtown streets of Anchorage. On the first Saturday in March, mushers and sleds line Fourth Avenue, spectators pack the sidewalks and dogs bounce and yip in anticipation of the “Last Great Race.” After a mile and a half on city streets, the course speeds through forested trails, greenbelts and parks of Anchorage. This is merely the beginning, in the days ahead, mushers face daunting terrain, treacherous weather and more than 1,000 miles of wilderness between the Willow and Nome, Alaska. But even after the last team has left Anchorage, the weekend holds another big event.
Tour of Anchorage
The Tour of Anchorage cross country ski marathon takes to the trails on the first Sunday of March. Part of the American Ski Marathon Series, North America's longest running and largest citizen's racing and touring series, the Tour of Anchorage is an excellent way to explore Anchorage on the trail system. 25K classic and freestyle races, as well as 40K and 50K freestyle events welcome Olympic-level athletes and novice skiers. Courses wind through Anchorage’s parks, trails, greenbelts, across city streets and down the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail along Cook Inlet. The race ends at Kincaid Park, a premier cross-country destination in its own right. Whether looking for a personal best time or just a fun outing on the trails, the Tour is an excellent way to experience Anchorage.
