Anchorage RunFest hits 30-year mark as premier summer running event nears start line

The Anchorage RunFest, the city's largest annual running event, returns August 15-16 for its 30th edition, organizers confirmed this week.

The two-day festival offers races ranging from a 1-mile dash to a 49-kilometer ultra, including a marathon, half marathon, 5K and a Kids' 2K Fun Run. This year's event marks the 30th anniversary of the Humpy's Marathon, the centerpiece race that has drawn thousands of runners to Anchorage since 1996.

The RunFest serves as the main fundraiser for the Anchorage Running Club, with proceeds supporting high school scholarships and free kids' races throughout the year.

A summer of options for every pace

While the RunFest is the season's signature event, Anchorage's running calendar offers multiple entry points for casual and competitive runners alike.

In late June, the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon, the city's marquee road race, regularly sells out its marathon, half marathon and 5K distances along the Coastal Trail. That event draws both locals and out-of-state runners seeking the unique experience of racing under the midnight sun.

For those looking for a weekly commitment, the Bonnie Sosa Tuesday Night Race Series offers trail courses ranging from 1 to 12 kilometers. The series, a beloved annual fixture, starts at 6:30 p.m. at various locations around the city.

Skinny Raven Sports, the downtown running store, organizes a community-followed series of road and trail races throughout the year, including events that venture into the Chugach Mountains.

The variety of distances and settings, road, trail, mountain, means runners can build from a Tuesday night 5K to the full marathon distance without ever leaving the municipality.

Race week details and how to participate

Registration for the Anchorage RunFest remains open online. Race week includes packet pickup and late registration at the RunFest Expo, which organizers describe as a central hub for bib collection, gear and pre-race information.

No specific race cap has been announced for the 2026 edition, but the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon, held on June 27 this year, sold out in advance, a pattern organizers expect may repeat for the RunFest as the 30th anniversary draws extra interest.

Runners can also look ahead to the rest of the summer calendar. Skinny Raven typically posts its full race schedule on its website, and the Tuesday Night Race Series continues through late August at rotating trailheads across the city.

For those who prefer a low-pressure introduction, the Kids' 2K Fun Run on August 16 offers a free, untimed option for children, one of several free youth races the Running Club funds with RunFest proceeds.

Full details and registration links are available at anchoragerunfest.org.