Marathons, 5Ks & Races

With easy access to Chugach State Park and hundreds of miles of city trails and footpaths, Anchorage is the perfect place to go for a run, complete a marathon, or participate in a 5K or other footrace. There are ultra-marathon options for an extended adventure, and epic annual trail runs like the Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb, Crow Pass Crossing, and Alyeska's Cirque Series.

Two of the biggest events tap Anchorage's long summer hours and mild temperatures perfect for a PR.

In June, the popular Mayor’s Marathon — including a half-marathon, relay, 5K and kids’ mile — is popular with Alaskans and visitors alike. Soak up the sun on one of the longest days of the year while striding down scenic local trails: Enjoy panoramic coastal views, lush forests, city greenbelts, and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. 

In August, Anchorage RunFest includes events ranging from a mile-long road race and kids’ 2K to a half and full marathon (a Boston Marathon qualifier) and a 49K ultra-marathon.

Find more upcoming marathons, 5Ks, and trail races:

For experienced backcountry runners looking for an unforgettable Alaska experience, the Crow Pass Crossing is a 22.5-mile race through Chugach State Park between Girdwood and Eagle River. The course comes with glacier views, mountainous terrain, and a river crossing, and the fastest competitors usually complete the race in around three hours.

For those seeking a shorter mountain run, the Arctic Valley Mountain Race offers routes of varying lengths, all featuring significant elevation gains and scenic views of the Chugach Mountains, the Anchorage Bowl, and Cook Inlet beyond. 

Casual runners will enjoy the Bonny Sosa Tuesday Night Races, a beloved annual series featuring weekly races on different courses of varying lengths throughout Anchorage.