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| Runners on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (photo credit- Roy Neese) |
The Visit Anchorage site
says it well when it notes… “With low humidity and summer temperatures
that typically top out in the mid-70s, Anchorage is an excellent choice for
avid runners who want to incorporate a race into their visit.”
It goes on … “Anchorage is at sea level,
requiring no adjustment to a higher, heart-pumping elevation. There is no
hustling through traffic or breathing in car exhaust – as most races take place
on Anchorage’s award-winning trail system. Along the paved trails, runners
enjoy wooded vistas that open up to expanses of the steely gray waters of Cook
Inlet or the rugged peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range.”
requiring no adjustment to a higher, heart-pumping elevation. There is no
hustling through traffic or breathing in car exhaust – as most races take place
on Anchorage’s award-winning trail system. Along the paved trails, runners
enjoy wooded vistas that open up to expanses of the steely gray waters of Cook
Inlet or the rugged peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range.”
2014 will see at a number of major
and smaller runs hosted in Anchorage.
Running in general is a big sport here. We’ve got so many great places to train, such as our trail system, including the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. (Other links to trail maps can be found at the end of this blog.)
and smaller runs hosted in Anchorage.
Running in general is a big sport here. We’ve got so many great places to train, such as our trail system, including the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. (Other links to trail maps can be found at the end of this blog.)
Running season begins in
February. Highlights for the year
include the:
February. Highlights for the year
include the:
- Iditarod Trail Invitational 1000 miler, an
ultramarathon, which begins in Anchorage on 2/23/2014 and ends in Nome many
days later. There is also the 350 mile option, ending in McGrath - Mayor’s Midnight Sun Five Miler / Half Marathon /
Marathon, which happens in Anchorage on Solstice, June 21st - Her Tern Half Marathon, held in Anchorage on July 20th, and
- Skinny Raven’s Half and Moose’s Tooth Marathon will be
held August 12th
Other fun runs also happen
each year. Among others, we are really excited about the
each year. Among others, we are really excited about the
- Frostbite Footrace, held on February 22, 2014 during
Fur Rondy - Anchorage Salmon Run, held on May 3, 2014
- Gold Nugget Triathalon, held on May 18th,
2014 - Alaska Run for Women, held June 7, 2014
- Mt. Marathon race, held on July 4, 2014, a long
standing tradition held in Seward, Alaska
· We’ve recently learned the Color Run is returning on June 28th. Guests had so much fun last year at this-
we’re really looking forward to a repeat experience!
we’re really looking forward to a repeat experience!
For the trail system maps,
check out the Trails of Anchorage map (which lists the trails individually by section) and the Muni of Anchorage Trail Mega Map (which shows the trails in one overall map.)
check out the Trails of Anchorage map (which lists the trails individually by section) and the Muni of Anchorage Trail Mega Map (which shows the trails in one overall map.)
For the most up to date race list click here. The Alaska Runners Calendar is another good source for races and race updates.
Anchorage’s bed and breakfast inns are a great place stay while in town for the race. Why? Because you will get a restful sleep the night before in a convenient, quiet location; a fortifying breakfast, lots of fluids, and plenty of encouragement! If you have special needs, you’ll find help with those as well.
So grab your running (or walking) shoes. We’ll see you on the trail!
This blog was written by Marilyn Kasmar, Owner/Innkeeper at the 11th Avenue Bed and Breakfast, Anchorage, and member of the Anchorage Bed and Breakfast Association.