Anchorage RunFest

Welcome to the Anchorage RunFest, the largest event and main fundraiser for the Anchorage Running Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This event will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2027 and Sunday, August 22, 2027. Proceeds are used to help defray the costs of the Kids’ 2K (free for all participants), for college scholarships to high school runners, and to support local organizations whose missions are in line with the Club’s goal to promote healthy lifestyles through running and exercise.

At its heart, Anchorage RunFest is Humpy’s Marathon, which began in the 1997. In 2008, the event expanded into a four-day celebration of running, featuring races from Thursday through Sunday, and adopted the name Big Wild Life Runs, inspired by Anchorage’s “Big Wild Life” brand. In fall 2015, we became Anchorage RunFest to highlight our home city and better reflect the diversity of races and experiences that make our festival unique.

Today, Anchorage RunFest draws runners from across the United States and around the world. Participation continues to grow as individuals, families, and running groups of all sizes travel to Anchorage to experience our welcoming running community and spectacular scenery. From the fast, flat Anchorage Mile to the scenic 5K, Half Marathon (13.1 miles), Marathon (26.2 miles), and 49K Ultra, RunFest offers an unforgettable race experience for runners of all abilities.

Note: Shirt sizes are guaranteed through June 15, 2027. After this deadline, sizes cannot be guaranteed—we need final numbers to print shirts. Registrations after this date may not receive your preferred shirt size.

Race Location Information                                                

August 21th                                                              
Delaney Park Strip                                                       
10th & H Street, Anchorage, AK, 99501                    

August 22th                                                                                          
Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse                                
610 W 6th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501

Bib Pickup

August 20th

TBD

 1:00 PM – 6:30 PM

August 21st

TBD

  8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

 

Check out these race partners for amazing adventures: Information about Travel-Lodging-Things to Do

Click here for important FAQs about the Anchorage RunFest:  https://anchoragerunfest.org/runner-info/faq/

Message from the RunFest Race Directors

For 16 years, we’ve shared miles, cheers, and unforgettable triumphs with you. Through challenges and celebrations, your support has kept RunFest strong, and we are grateful for every runner, volunteer, and supporter who makes this event possible.

Anchorage RunFest is more than a race—it’s a tradition that celebrates resilience, health, and community spirit. With distances for everyone—from the United Physical Therapy 49K Ultra and Humpy’s Marathon and Relay, Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids’ events—there’s a place for all runners at our start lines.

We can’t wait to see you in August 2027, ready to train, run, and create new memories together!

Race Director Melanie Clark and Race Director Emeritus Sharron Fisherman