UPDATE 6/26/2015: Due to the smoke from the forest fires and the AQI (Air Quality Index) some of these races may have been postponed, including June 27th’s Run From The Cops. Check the running websites listed at the bottom of the page for information based on the current Air Quality condition.
If you are into running, you’ll be happy to know that Fairbanks has a number of races you can compete in all through the summer. Our long daylight hours allow for you to enjoy running – racing, trail running or just around the city – at any time of the day or night.
I wanted to share with you a list of 15 summertime races you’ll find here in Fairbanks (and there are a few in North Pole too) so you can start getting ready for racing season. The first 5K starts one month from TODAY. Now’s the time to lace up those sneakers.
On your mark. Get set. Go!
April 11, 2015 – Beat Beethoven 5K
This 5K race takes you around the UAF campus and the catch? If you can make it to the finish line before the end of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony (about 31 minutes) you will receive a free ticket to the symphony. You can find more information about this race here.
May 2, 2015 – 34th Annual Chena River Run
This 5K will take you on a fun course from Woodriver Elementary School to the Princess Hotel. This is a classic run (they’ve been doing it for 34 years!) and a great way to welcome in the summer. Here’s a link to their facebook page for more details.
May 6, 2015 – 24th Annual Golden Heart Utilities Water Walk & Run
An awesome way to get out and enjoy some evening sun. This 5K you can walk or run (hence the name) and is great to do with children or strollers. This mid-week walk/run has been around for a while also. Sponsored by Golden Heart Utilities.
May 9, 2015 – 7th Annual Walk/Run for Autism
Even if you don’t run, you can walk this one and it’s for a great cause. This 5K race starts at Pioneer Park. You can go to the Autism Society of Alaska’s website, www.asagoldenheart.org, to learn more.
May 21, 2015 – Alaska Girl’s Walk & Wine
This 5K walk has a bonus – wine! This is a 5K run followed by a wine tasting event for women only. (Sorry, guys!) You must be 21 to participate in the wine tasting, but those under 21 can still race. Find the Walk & Wine on Facebook here.
May 30, 2015 – The Color Run
Returning to Fairbanks for the second year in a row, The Color Run is a really fun run to do with friends or family. Kids even have a blast, too! You start out wearing white and along the 5K route get doused with colors until you cross the finish line looking like a rainbow. And there’s an after party complete with prizes and music. Register on their website, www.thecolorrun.com.
June 7, 2015 – Mud Factor
You’ll start off clean, but prepare to get dirty. Crawling-on-your-belly-in-mud dirty. This 5K race takes you through rugged terrain and tests your skills with obstacles along the way. Register on their website www.mudfactor.com.
June 13, 2015 – 23rd Annual Mosquito Meander
Sponsored by Fairbanks Counseling and Adoption, this 5K walk and run is all about family! Bring the kids and enjoy the trek. See www.fcaalaska.org for more information.
June 20, 2015 – 33rd Annual Midnight Sun Run
This is our biggie. This race starts at 10 pm on the eve of the summer solstice – the longest day of the year! This 10K race starts at the UAF Patty Center and takes you through town and through neighborhoods finally bringing you to the finish line at Pioneer Park. Wear costumes and enter the costume contest and entertain the spectators that will cheer you on along the way. Keep an eye on their website (http://midnightsunrun.net) for updated information.
June 27, 2015 – Run from the Cops
This 5K starts and ends at the police station at 911 Cushman Street in downtown Fairbanks. It’s really a great way to get to know our local police officers and help support those that protect our community.
July 11, 2015 – Jingle in July!
This family-friendly Christmas-themed 5K also has a 1K kid’s race. Another great cause – this race is sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation. Dress up in holiday costumes for an added element of fun. Starts at the Santa Claus House in North Pole. See their website for more details.
July 18, 2015 – Run of the Valkyries
This Vikings-themed run will also award you a prize for best costume. Or just stretch your legs on this 8K course beginning and ending at Pioneer Park. Put on by Opera Fairbanks. See http://www.operafairbanks.org/events/ for more information.
July 19, 2015 – Run for the Refuge
You have your choice here of a 5K or a 10K trail run. This run benefits the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Begins at the UAF Ski Hut.
August 8, 2015 – Santa Claus Half Marathon
Beginning and ending at North Pole High School, followed by an awesome Barbeque! This half- marathon, 13.1 miles, will take you through and around the city of North Pole. If you like to run and would like to set your sights on a half-marathon, this one is for you!
September 19, 2015 – Equinox Marathon
I have to include this, and end with it, as this is the mother race. This is a marathon (26.2 miles) and an Ultra Marathon (40 miles!) and not for the faint at heart. Start and end at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and traverse the trails up and around the campus, then head out to the outer points of Ester Dome and back. Get more information and register on their website, www.equinoxmarathon.org.
This list isn’t nearly a complete list of all of the races that we have in Fairbanks during the summer. There really are a lot of them! You can check out Running Club North and Running in the USA for a full list of races and events from 5K’s to Ultra Marathons in our area. If you are really into running, Running Club North offers a lot of training and group runs that you may want to check out – and they run all year ‘round. There are also several different Triathlons during the summer months that you can look into as well, check out the Running Club North’s websites for information on those.
Tell us in the comments if there are any particular races I missed, which ones YOU like to run, or which you are looking forward to this year.
See you on the trails!
-Tarra
Scott Rosenthal Real Estate ~ The Rosenthal Team 