Marathons, 5Ks & Races

With hundreds of miles of city trails and footpaths, and easy access to Chugach Range trails, Anchorage is the perfect place to go for a run. Signature events like the Anchorage Mayor's Marathon and Anchorage RunFest headline a full roster of marathons, 5Ks, and other running events. There are ultra-marathon options for an extended adventure, trail runs in the mountains, and community-center race series for all levels.

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

Mountain Running

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.

The Cirque Series loops through the Chugach Range based out of Alyeska Resort.

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. 

Community Race Series

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. Groups like the Anchorage Running Club and Skinny Raven also host more casual meetups, pub runs, and group training sessions.

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