The Anchorage RunFest attracts runners from all over the United States and across the globe. The number of participants continues to grow as individual runners and groups both large and small travel to Anchorage to run the fast and flat Anchorage Mile, and the scenic 5K, 13.1 mile, 26.2 mile, …
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The Anchorage RunFest attracts runners from all over the United States and across the globe. The number of participants continues to grow as individual runners and groups both large and small travel to Anchorage to run the fast and flat Anchorage Mile, and the scenic 5K, 13.1 mile, 26.2 mile, and 49K courses.
Created to celebrate the 49th state, this ultra features the ultimate mix of Anchorage: stunning views along Turnagain Arm; 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 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 race is a Boston Marathon qualifier.
Currently the most popular event, the Anchorage RunFest Half begins in downtown Anchorage and quickly joins the Coastal Trail. This 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 core of the running festival, the marathon, began in the 1990s as Humpy’s Marathon. In 2008 it grew to include a Thursday through Sunday celebration of races and was newly dubbed Big Wild Life Runs in accordance with Anchorage’s brand “Big Wild Life.” In the fall of 2015, the name Anchorage RunFest was adopted to lend more attention to its home site, Anchorage, and to bring attention to the diversity of ways we celebrate running.
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First Ultramarathon
This race runs along local trails in Anchorage with some pretty great views. A lot of potential to spot moose along this trail. Pretty flat trail with the occasional hill. … MORE
This race runs along local trails in Anchorage with some pretty great views. A lot of potential to spot moose along this trail.
Pretty flat trail with the occasional hill. Aid stations are pretty basic but also pretty evenly spaced over the course.
They even have a random drawing for participants of each of their races to win a free flight with Alaska Airlines.
Great scenic race
Excellent race for the 49th state. Registration was great do to being out of town and unable to make bib pickup times. Volunteers were fantastic despite the cold and sometimes … MORE
Excellent race for the 49th state. Registration was great do to being out of town and unable to make bib pickup times. Volunteers were fantastic despite the cold and sometimes wet day. 42-53 degrees was perfect running conditions and the light rain only hindered the volunteers. Alaska is great and this race is strongly recommended
It's Alaska!!
This was my 47th unique marathon state. Pros: It's in Alaska!! Alaska is vast and just incredible. If you are from out-of-state, like me, be sure to spend some time … MORE
This was my 47th unique marathon state.
Pros: It’s in Alaska!! Alaska is vast and just incredible. If you are from out-of-state, like me, be sure to spend some time touring in other cities.
Weather: The weather was mostly mild and mostly cloudy- not cold, not warm. I wore a thin tank to the start and it served me fine throughout. After ~3.5hrs it did get rainy and windy and increased in intensity. As usual, the people who were out in it after 4+ hours probably feel differently, but for me weather was not a negative factor.
Aid stations: were usually 2+ miles apart and supported well with great volunteers. This number of aid stations was sufficient given the weather, but I’d like to see a few additional ones if it were any warmer.
Course Difficulty: This is by no-means a “difficult” course and the weather can make it fast. On the other hand, it is not as flat as I had imagined it. It has inclines and declines throughout, and can take their toll if one goes too hard.
Course Scenery: There are certainly people who disagree with me on the following statement, but for me, this was not in the top scenic courses that I’ve run. You are mostly running on paved trails cut through trees, and sometimes see the water in the first half. Mountain viewing may depend on the day, but on this day they were not highly visible. Having said this, it is Alaska, and if are thankful to be running a marathon in Alaska, like me, then that goes along way.
p.s. I was on the lookout, but I didn’t see a Moose. However, one was seen on the 49K race! That would be exciting.
Production: It is a small race, and well organized with plenty of nice volunteers. Not much SWAG, but they do hold activities the day before the marathon, and a post-race party. It was rainy and windy, so I didn’t stick around long.
Good smaller race
This is a smaller race (few hundred in the half and less in the full) but well orchestrated. Packet pickup is the day prior, and you can easily make a … MORE
This is a smaller race (few hundred in the half and less in the full) but well orchestrated. Packet pickup is the day prior, and you can easily make a weekend out of it by adding in the Anchorage Mile the day prior and spending time around Anchorage. Lots of pacers and aid stations throughout. Rather scenic course as you’re just barely in town and then spend most of the miles on a paved bike path.
Loved it!
Great race! Well-organized, good energy, and appreciated my pacer's energy. Loved the shirts and medals. Organizers were friendly and helpful. The course itself was nice, not too difficult, though the … MORE
Great race! Well-organized, good energy, and appreciated my pacer’s energy. Loved the shirts and medals. Organizers were friendly and helpful. The course itself was nice, not too difficult, though the hill at the very end was a killer.
Lucky to have gotten good weather – later that week it started pouring!
Well-organized race, beautiful course
The course is along the Coastal Trail which is beautiful but does limit spectators and water stations. That aside, this is a well-organized event which even provides access to free … MORE
The course is along the Coastal Trail which is beautiful but does limit spectators and water stations. That aside, this is a well-organized event which even provides access to free showers for all participants! This was a lifesaver for me as my hotel could not accommodate late check out and I had to fly out the same day. Do not be surprised to see a bear or two along the way!
Beautiful run on paved path
Very well-run race on paved paths. Was not crowded because the marathon starts 15 minutes before the half-marathon allowing the marathoners to clear the half-marathon turn point (about 2 miles … MORE
Very well-run race on paved paths. Was not crowded because the marathon starts 15 minutes before the half-marathon allowing the marathoners to clear the half-marathon turn point (about 2 miles out). This does result in running into a few of the back-of-the-pack half-marathon walkers during the second half of the race. Course goes out from the city along the inlet toward and around the end of the airport. After 8.5 miles, turn and come back to the 2.0 mile point and turn inland for about 4.5 miles. Turn around at the end of this out and back and return to the start line downtown. While relatively flat, the hills in the first half will sap energy and the hills on the second half will punish you if you have gone out too fast. Leave some energy for the last half mile, which has a significant hill you ran down at the start.
Registration was easy and the technical long sleeve shirt was nice. Plenty of water and Gatorade along the course and at the finish. Grilled cheese and beer also available. Temperatures were forecast to be mid 50s to low 60s. The sun come out and temperatures rose to the upper 60s – still not bad for an August race.
Beautiful race!
The race is mostly along the coastal trail which is so beautiful, minor hills not a super challenging course. Cute finisher metal, good atmosphere along the race route. MORE
The race is mostly along the coastal trail which is so beautiful, minor hills not a super challenging course. Cute finisher metal, good atmosphere along the race route.
Another beautiful Anchorage run
Great race weekend. I did the military mile the day before (which was a bit uncoordinated with conflicting time and locations) as well as the half marathon. The trail was … MORE
Great race weekend. I did the military mile the day before (which was a bit uncoordinated with conflicting time and locations) as well as the half marathon. The trail was beautiful… Though the course ended with an uphill as most of the runs here do! Moose spotted along the route. No real expo. Just a simple packet pick up. Medal was beautiful and I loved the t-shirt this year!
Great destination
Can’t do much about the weather. It was not cold nor pouring rain or windy, but it did rain everyday we were there. The awesome views of the mountains were … MORE
Can’t do much about the weather. It was not cold nor pouring rain or windy, but it did rain everyday we were there. The awesome views of the mountains were less spectacular. August is rainy season.
So far I don’t know my actual time because there has been no results sent to me nor posted or updated on the website??? So far no opportunity to give that race feedback. Sorry if this is inappropriate to write here, but I was a little put off and surprised to watch one of 2 women Pacers, step off to the side of the trail, stand and pull her shorts over and urinate standing up. (Not behind a tree, or bush or even at least a few yards off, But right NEXT to the trail) I understand the urgency if you have to go, but there were woods everywhere!!!
The positives: The race was a nice course all along the coastline or Chester Creek trail. I did get to see a moose and her calf! The tech shirt is ok, kind of a silly design making it not that wearable to many places. The medal is very nice.
I loved hearing Bart Yasso on the phone to start the race! Post race had nice options except I had to tell my friend go find chocolate milk from a hotel lobby. Grilled cheese and big cookies were great. I was disappointed I could not get a seltzer at the finish, (yes I did not read the fine print that I needed my license). It was explained to me later why Alaska requires an ID for everyone when I did go to Humpy’s that evening. I would hope at packet pick up that the ID could be checked and a wristband or something marked on our bibs for post race. This is how many other races handle it… I don’t carry my ID with me during a race.
Otherwise a very nice race, good volunteers, a few musicians playing, well marked, and good post race options!
"What a Long, Strange Trip it's Been..."
Finishing the Anchorage RunFest - Humpy’s Marathon brings my quest to complete a marathon in every state to a very satisfying conclusion. And if you're looking for an Alaska marathon, … MORE
Finishing the Anchorage RunFest – Humpy’s Marathon brings my quest to complete a marathon in every state to a very satisfying conclusion. And if you’re looking for an Alaska marathon, then Humpy’s is the race you want to run! Be sure to let the Race Staff know in advance if Anchorage will be your 50th State and they’ll have a Certification of Completion waiting for you at the Finish. Just a nice, little personal touch that you won’t find elsewhere.
About that, uh … awkward name. Pink salmon, or “humpback” salmon, are commonly called “humpies.” Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse is the marathon’s major sponsor and the Start and Finish location for the event. Even knowing that, expect some strange, concerned expressions when you share with folks, “I ran Humpy’s!”
The staging area on Sunday morning in front of Humpy’s brought several pleasant “amenities.” Kaladi Brothers Coffee was dispensing hot java and Franz Bakeries was dealing fresh grilled cheese sandwiches to the huddled, milling runners. Can’t say I’ve ever experienced those pre-race traditions before, but I think they warrant a petition for adoption at other race venues. Comfort food before a marathon?!? Brilliant!
The course is straight-forward, slightly rolling in elevation, and spectacularly beautiful. The first 15 miles are an out-and-back circuit on the Coastal Trail. The next 10 miles are an out-and-back leg on the Creek Trail, a greenbelt trail system wending its way through Anchorage. Expect to see panoramic views of the Cook Inlet along the Coastal Trail. Both courses traverse long stretches of coastal rainforest with thick stands of birch and spruce, the floor carpeted with devil’s club, verdant ferns and thick moss: Cool, green, dark, shady and quiet. BOLO for moose and bear. I didn’t spot either, but apparently a moose and her calf crossed the path behind me shortly after I passed Mile 7. (Drat! I just moosed ’em!)
There’s one final grinder hill at Mile 25 to get back up to downtown from the trail system, but a nice, open Finish on 6th Street. I quickly found a great Finisher’s medal, my 50-State Completion certificate and even managed to locate the inventory of left-over grilled cheese sandwiches. What’s not to like?!?
If you’re contemplating your own sojourn to run a marathon in every state, I would encourage you to consider the Anchorage RunFest for your “Big Finish.” You won’t be disappointed or regret the decision. And a few last words of encouragement:
“A journey of 1,310 miles begins with a single step.”
– Slow Juan –
“I been thinkin’, you need to mellow slow.
Takes time, you pick a place to go,
. . . . and just keep truckin’ on.”
-The Grateful Dead-
Brew Review:
3 words about the AK microbrew culture: Target. Rich. Environment. 49th State Brewing is the “flagship” brewery in Anchorage and not to be missed. It’s a three-story brewpub built on a hill overlooking the Cook Inlet with a biergarten on the roof. Check out Anchorage Brewing where your group can enjoy a cold beverage seated inside huge foeders that have been converted to private “nooks.” Midnight Sun has outstanding beers and an exceptional kitchen. Watch out for their most-excellent Stout that quietly weighs in with a subtle, numbing 13 ABV. If you venture beyond Anchorage, be sure to catch Denali Brewing in Talkeetna. The town is like a time warp back to the ‘60s where the word “hippie” still stands for something. Seward Brewing overlooks the Kenai Fjords. Girdwood Brewing (in Girdwood) has a great ski lodge vibe. Bearpaw River Brewing in Wasilla and Bleeding Heart Brewing in Palmer are solid choices for a good beer in great Alaska towns. And Odd Man Rush Brewing in Eagle River was a surprise favorite. It has a prevalent hockey theme in its well-appointed beer hall, complete with a retro hockey scoreboard. No penalty for icing here!
Great race in the Last Frontier
This is probably a lesser known race compared to The Mayor's Midnight Marathon. There were just over 200 finishers for the full marathon. I was second guessing my decision to … MORE
This is probably a lesser known race compared to The Mayor’s Midnight Marathon. There were just over 200 finishers for the full marathon. I was second guessing my decision to do the full as opposed to the half, but I was glad I did.
There really wasn’t much of a race expo, just a packet pickup. There were several times and days to pickup everything up though. Everyone was supper nice and helpful. The race had a charming small town feel to it.
There parking on race morning was free and plentiful. I was probably less than a quarter of a mile from the start/finish.
All of the race distances started at different time which helped keep the traffic down and the lines at the port-a-johns at the start small.
Probably over 95% of the race was on a couple different trails. Both were an out and back. I enjoyed the course for most of the race. The overall elevation gain on my watch was 646 feet and there is a bit of a tough incline near the end.
There were patches of spectators, but it was a bit sparse. There were only a few times where other runners were in the way on the fairly narrow trail, but it was mostly because they were not staying in their lane. No bear or moose sightings this year that I’m aware of.
Since it was an out and back course, I went by many of the half runners. The pacers and other runners were very supportive. It was helpful in the later miles when I was feeling tired.
The weather was great. It had rained all night, so it was humid, but it was cloudy, in the 50’s and no wind.
The end of the race had a few food options, but not too many options. They did offer grilled cheese. The finisher medal and shirt were unique and pleasant. I actually really enjoyed this race. I loved Alaska and made the most of my trip by doing a tour of the Kenai Fjords and a trip to Denali.
Destination Race…glad I did it!
Much smaller turn out than I expected, around 100 runners. Nice course lots to see if your not fast you can be running by yourself Nice destination run with lots … MORE
Much smaller turn out than I expected, around 100 runners. Nice course lots to see if your not fast you can be running by yourself
Nice destination run with lots of beautiful scenery and other activities to do. Went canoeing and salmon fishing.
Military Mile
Military mile is actually a separate run "the Mile". This run is - while open to anyone - is free for military (and you get a medal!), and creates a … MORE
Military mile is actually a separate run “the Mile”. This run is – while open to anyone – is free for military (and you get a medal!), and creates a bit of sibling rivalry among the branches of service.
Run is held down town around a park square.
This year, there was a bit of disorganization with scheduling. Email confirmation gave one time for start while the website said something different. Likewise, a coworker got yet an even different email confirmation that had the same time as the site, but a different location.
Thankfully my crew all made it to the right location (although not initially) and on time (since we just opted to show up to the earliest mentioned start). However, we did meet folks who missed it due to the email time.
This was my first time doing the mile, so I can’t vouch for it being just a one time hiccup. However aside from that – if you actually made it to the run, it was well done.
Fun Race, Great Support, and Bears!
Course is an out and back course along the coast and along the running/biking trails. We saw a baby bear cross the course (fortunately without mama.) Nice post race food … MORE
Course is an out and back course along the coast and along the running/biking trails.
We saw a baby bear cross the course (fortunately without mama.)
Nice post race food and drink.
Great course support – plenty of well stocked aid stations.
Plenty of parking near the start / finish. Many hotels within walking distance.
A race worth repeating
Anchorage in mid-August has perfect running weather. The on-course entertainment was as varied as always (Scottish bagpipes, anyone?). And the tree-lined path was a soothing relief from the hot, smoky … MORE
Anchorage in mid-August has perfect running weather. The on-course entertainment was as varied as always (Scottish bagpipes, anyone?). And the tree-lined path was a soothing relief from the hot, smoky weather at home. I was not one of the lucky (unlucky?) ones who had their race interrupted by the bears or the moose, but I still enjoyed myself. Getting a new PR was just icing on the cake. Don’t wait to complete your 50 state challenge for this race, it’s worth repeating as often as possible.
Nice bike-path marathon
almost all on two bike paths through woods and parks. Some rolling hills but nothing too steep. Nice medal and LS shirt. I missed seeing the bear at mile 22(!) … MORE
almost all on two bike paths through woods and parks. Some rolling hills but nothing too steep. Nice medal and LS shirt. I missed seeing the bear at mile 22(!) but saw a big tree stump with googly eyes in the woods along the trail. Aid stations were good but they did run out of grilled cheese sandwiches for us back of the packers.
Delta Airlines Flat Lined Flights
Plane, no pilots or crew... Plane and pilots, no crew... Plane, pilots left, still no crew... Delayed 1 hour... Delayed 3 hours 15 minutes later... Delayed 8 hours immediately following... … MORE
Plane, no pilots or crew…
Plane and pilots, no crew…
Plane, pilots left, still no crew…
Delayed 1 hour…
Delayed 3 hours 15 minutes later…
Delayed 8 hours immediately following…
Lady: We can get you to Seattle but you have to add an additional stop (2 total). But then we’d have to figure out how to get you to Alaska from there.
Me: ma’am, I need a refund. I’m home here in Texas. Y’all not going to get me stuck in another city.
Great Organization/Race, Beautiful State
This was my first time visiting the amazing state of Alaska, and wow what an experience. Do not be the person who flies in checks off this state and leaves, … MORE
This was my first time visiting the amazing state of Alaska, and wow what an experience. Do not be the person who flies in checks off this state and leaves, the opportunity to get out and explore this state before or after the race should not be wasted. Waiting in line for the bathrooms I was chatting with a guy running the marathon in his 48th state, he flies in does his job and leaves. He treated it like a job and even described it as something he just wanted to get over with. I can’t imagine flying all the way to such an amazing state and leaving before I saw a thing. My wife and I flew in 10 days before the race and visited 3 National Parks and Drove all over the state doing hiking and sightseeing. I didn’t run at all in the 10 days leading up to the race (no chance to do laundry and who wants to stuff sweaty running clothes in their bag repeatedly for a week plus). Zero running and tons of strenuous hiking is hardly the ideal way to prepare for a race but traveling the country doing races can’t only be about the races, the travel experience should mean just as much. My advice if you can is to fly in, run the race then go see the state. I’m married to a teacher though so we had to hurry back for the start of the school year. On to the review…
EXPO/PACKET PICK UP:
I did not go to the expo for this race, I was too busy exploring the rest of the state. That said, I have never in all the races that I have run seen a race that provided more opportunities for your shirt/bib pickup than this race. The race was on Sunday and you could pick up your packet on Thursday, Friday or Saturday during windows of 4-7 hours. I was out traveling the state during this time and couldn’t make it so I emailed the race team and they said they were happy to accommodate me on the morning of the race for my bib and shirt pickup (Insider Info, they are actually willing to do this for everybody the lady who gave me my bib told me, but it would not be practical to do so for several thousand people, but it is good to know in case your schedule requires it). They also give the option to have a friend pick up your packet for you.
Parking/Access: Anchorage is a very unique layout for a city with a pretty large population. Downtown doesn’t have many tall buildings and both street and parking lot parking were easily available just 2-3 blocks away. No real need to do public transit.
T-Shirts/SWAG: The medal for this race was one that I liked. It isn’t the prettiest one on my medal rack but it does accomplish what I find most important about a race, it was sturdily made and depicts something unique about the state. It seems like most years in the past had a similar medal which included a picture of Alaska, this year had a jumping salmon (See Attached Picture). The shirt this year was a nice blue tech shirt (See Attached Picture), it has a giant bear head as part of a painting looking over a lake/mountain, again just look at the picture. Each shirt also states the distance you ran instead of just an event logo that lists every distance which is a bit unique. Is it large, quirky, over the top and not exactly a wear everyday shirt? Yes, is it truly unique and in line with the spirit/essence of the state it represents? Also Yes. And in case you think it is still weird, do a quick google search of some past years, I would say this years shirt is pretty tame by comparison.
Aid Stations: The aid stations were well stocked and spaced every 1.5-2 miles (it is an out and back course on a park trail so you hit the same stations in each direction), they all had Gatorade and water. Nobody was handing out any energy gels or chews but I carry my own so this was a non issue. I didn’t hear anything about things running out at any time during the race. I was near the front so I was never really in a group, and most stations only had 3-5 people which is sufficient but may have caused an issue or two when the big pace groups came through but the race said ahead of time that volunteers were really tough to come by this year due to covid so I give the volunteers who were there an A+ for doing the job, being really clear about who had water or Gatorade, and being happy cheerleaders for each runner who came through.
Course Scenery/Elevation Difficulty: The course is pretty flat over 90% of the course, as a true out and back every hill you go up you will come down and vice versa. You mostly follow a river on a greenbelt path through a park with a decent hill right at the turnaround point and another between .5-.2 miles from the finish, it won’t seem like much of a hill at the start, but a 50ft climb over a quarter mile will feel like a mountain so close to the finish. Overall though minor difficulty with little bumps or bridges over streams along the way. As for the scenery you get some views of the ocean and surrounding mountains during the first 1.5 and last 1.5 miles before running through a park along a path the rest of the time. It is pretty, it is calm, it is green, tree covered and shaded but not exactly breathtaking (but you will get that everywhere else in the state during you travels so no big deal). You might see “scenery” of a different kind though, while I didn’t see them runners posted pictures of a black bear on the half marathon course around mile 4 and a mother moose with her calf on the 49k course so keep aware of your surroundings.
Weather: Since 2008 the race day weather has been between 53 and 63 degrees every year except one, when it was like 67. Top notch running weather, it is usually always dry and it was this year too. It did rain in the afternoon so If you were a really slow Marathoner or Ultra runner you maybe got a little wet but it doesn’t downpour in this state.
Race Management: This Race was very well run overall. I found their emails and Facebook Page to be the best source of information. Oddly the Skinnyraven page (the sponsor) had information that was outdated in terms of maps and time. Make sure you use the Anchorage Runfest site for everything and make sure your read their emails. They accomodated me needing to pick up my packet the day of and had a very fun announcer at the start talking to people and having fun. The half was the biggest race but only had 631 people (a down a bit from a normal year). They had all the pace setters get in the corral first (Half 10 minute Incriments 1:40-3:00) (Full 15 minute incriments 3:30-5:30). After the pace people were in place they had people enter the start area and everybody went to their correct area. I ended up running a 1:31 and I had tons of room up front with the other fast people and the elites. I have never been at a race where I didn’t feel crowded at the start. I think this has a lot to do with how many people travel for this race. Supposedly over half of all entrants each year are from out of state which means they know race etiquette. They line up correctly, they communicate when passing, and they know how to use aid stations. The most educated crowd I have run with. They also have a ton of events and options they include a “Military Mile” on Saturday, a 5k, Half Marathon, Marathon, Marathon Relay and 49k Ultra (a 49k you say, that is weird, why not 50k like normal, well Alaska is the 49th State). Tons of options for everybody. They even had a half marathon walking or just need extra time option. Races went off in 15 minute increments. Walkers @ 8:00am, Marathon & Ultra @ 8:30am, Half Marathon 8:45am, 5k 9:00am. We were all on the course at the same time and I was definitely running upstream on the way back to the finish but people kept to the side without me needing to say anything and the 5k runners were all done before I got back to the finish although the winners may have seen a tiny bit of traffic. Other things that were unique and very nice: shirt swap the morning of the race if the one you picked up at the EXPO didn’t fit, free showers at the Gym near the finish if you show your bib, especially nice if you are flying out the same day and already had to check out of your hotel before hand. Also free race Photos.
Overall I would say this race is a great way to check Alaska off your 50 state list. It is a well run race that feels similar in a lot of ways to races you would see in other states, it just happens to be run in a state that is unlike any other.
Nice smaller race
I really enjoyed the Anchorage marathon. The event was smoothly executed and volunteers were friendly. There was not much swag other than the shirt, but the medal was nice. The … MORE
I really enjoyed the Anchorage marathon. The event was smoothly executed and volunteers were friendly. There was not much swag other than the shirt, but the medal was nice. The course was not too hard, however it was EXTREMELY windy during my race and during one portion of the course, it was like running through a sandstorm. Only about a half mile at the beginning and then at the end was on roads. The rest was on paved trails through parks. I wish there had been more port-a-potties on the course. The ones that were there were few and far between. Aid stations had water and Gatorade. A few had fruit, but I wish there had been more. But overall, it is a good race, and if you are trying to run in all 50 states, you definitely won’t regret signing up for this one.