sport
Anchorage Running Club Strengthens Local Ties Through RunFest and Weekly Series
The Anchorage Running Club uses its signature events to connect runners of all levels across the city.
How we reported this
Anchorage RunFest will take place August 15-16, 2026, marking the 30th anniversary of the Humpy's Marathon and serving as the primary fundraiser for the Anchorage Running Club.
The event draws participants from across Anchorage for distances that start with a 1-mile run and Kids' 2K and extend to a 49K ultra-marathon. Proceeds support club programs that include high school scholarships and free youth races. The timing aligns with the city's established summer running calendar, where weekly trail events already draw consistent local turnout.
RunFest anchors the summer schedule
The Anchorage Running Club organizes the two-day festival that includes a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and the Anchorage Mile in addition to the ultra and youth options. Bib pickup occurs at the 1st United Methodist Church. Organizers list the event on anchoragerunfest.org and runsignup.com, where registration opens months ahead. The club positions RunFest as its main community fundraiser, channeling funds directly into local youth and school initiatives.
Other established races fill the months around it. The Skinny Raven Half & 10K is set for July 2026. The Bonny Sosa Tuesday Night Races run weekly from 6:30 p.m. on varying courses of 1 to 12 kilometers throughout the summer. The 22.5-mile Crow Pass Crossing ultra-marathon travels through Chugach State Park between Girdwood and Eagle River for experienced trail runners.
Club programs reach beyond race day
The Anchorage Running Club maintains year-round trail and road options that keep members connected between major events. Its focus on scholarships and free kids' races creates entry points for families who might not otherwise join organized runs. Local runners cite the weekly Bonny Sosa series and Skinny Raven store events as regular touchpoints that build familiarity among participants who later enter RunFest.
Registration for RunFest opens through the club's site at anchoragerunfest.org. Runners seeking shorter or weekly commitments can locate the Bonny Sosa schedule on the same platform. The Crow Pass Crossing appears on runsignup.com for those ready for backcountry distances. These listings allow participants to select events that match their experience level while remaining tied to the Anchorage Running Club network.