Welcome to the untamed wilderness of Alaska, a runner’s paradise like no other. Known as the Last Frontier, Alaska offers a rugged and awe-inspiring landscape that beckons runners from around the world. From vast mountain ranges to breathtaking coastal paths, Alaska boasts a running experience unlike any other. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of this majestic state and let the untamed trails of Alaska ignite your running spirit.
When To Run in Alaska
Alaska’s running season is primarily during the summer months when the snow melts and the landscape awakens with vibrant colors. From May to September, you can enjoy extended daylight hours, mild temperatures, and an abundance of wildlife sightings along your running routes.
Summer brings the perfect balance of warmth and coolness, allowing you to explore the diverse terrains that Alaska has to offer. Whether you prefer running through alpine meadows, along scenic coastal trails, or on rugged mountain paths, summer in Alaska is the ideal time to lace up your shoes and embark on extraordinary running adventures.
The Must-Run Spots in Alaska
Alaska is home to some of the most spectacular running destinations in the world. Start your journey in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the coastline. Explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a scenic 11-mile route that offers stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and abundant wildlife. For a more challenging adventure, head to Denali National Park, where you can run amidst the towering peaks of the Alaska Range and witness the grandeur of Denali, North America’s highest peak.
The Kenai Peninsula invites you to discover picturesque trails that wind through lush forests, along pristine lakeshores, and over breathtaking glaciers. And if you’re seeking a coastal running experience, venture to Seward and run along the iconic Iditarod National Historic Trail, tracing the footsteps of mushers and their sled dogs. Alaska’s magnificent landscapes and diverse ecosystems provide endless opportunities for unforgettable trail running experiences.
Run Travel Events in Alaska – 2023
Alaska running Retreats
Below you’ll find a number of Alaska run experiences set to take place in 2023. If we’ve missed any, feel free to drop us a line!
June
Run Alaska Trails – Women’s Trail Running & Adventure Retreat – Moose Pass, Alaska – 6/16/23 – 6/21/23
July
Run Alaska Trails – Couples’ retreat – Cordova, Alaska – 7/13/23 – 7/18/23 [SOLD OUT]
Run Alaska Trails – Women’s retreat – Cordova, Alaska 7/20/23 – 7/25/23 [SOLD OUT]
August
Run Alaska Trails – Running While Black In Alaska | POC Retreat – Moose Pass, Alaska – 8/6/23 – 8/11/23
Alaska Running Holidays
There are some of the companies that offer Alaska run experiences:
- Alaska Sundog – In addition to occasionally collaborating with other companies (like Trail Run Adventures), Alaska Sundog also offers custom running retreats, one-day guided tours, and multi-day trail runs throughout the Last Frontier.
- Rickey Gates’ Bus Run Bus – Alaska is a pretty big state. Some might even call it the biggest state. The idea of running the whole thing? Pretty hard. With Rickey Gates’ Bus Run Bus, you might get pretty close. On the itinerary: Matanuska Peak, Mount Marathon, Lost Lake, Kesugi Ridge with stops in Anchorage, Denali, McCarthy, Seward. This last took place in July/August of 2022. Fingers crossed it’s coming back in 2023
- Run Alaska Trails – Run Alaska Trails offers themed run retreats in Alaska several times during the summer. In the past, this has included couple’s retreats, running retreats for POC, and a women’s running retreat.
Embark on an Epic Running Adventure Across the United States
While Alaska offers a truly unique running experience, there are numerous other running destinations awaiting your exploration across the United States.
Discover the forests of upstate New York, challenge yourself on the steep mountain trails of Colorado, or immerse yourself in the desert landscapes of Arizona. Indulge in the coastal beauty of California, explore the lush forests of Oregon, or embrace the historical charm of New Hampshire.
Our expert guides on run travels have curated a collection of remarkable running adventures in various states throughout the country. Unleash your running spirit and let your feet carry you to the diverse landscapes and vibrant communities that make the United States a haven for runners.
More about running in Alaska
Here are our recent stories about running experiences in Alaska.