
Anchorage RunFest
Anchorage RunFest: 16 years of Alaskan running, live bands, and welcoming community.
Race Date
Aug 15, 2026
Location
Anchorage, AK
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Location
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 49K, 26.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 2,699
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
For 16 years, the Anchorage RunFest has been the signature event of the Anchorage Running Club, drawing ~480 finishers from across 47 states to Alaska's largest city. This hometown half marathon is a fundraiser for youth scholarships and local health initiatives, with a free kids' 2K and a palpable community spirit. The race unfolds on USATF-certified roads, starting and finishing at Delaney Park Strip, with a course that likely loops through downtown Anchorage under typically mild August skies (51–63°F).
What sets RunFest apart is its live entertainment: from bagpipes on 2nd Avenue to drums and jazz along Christensen Drive, the course is lined with musicians encouraging runners every step. The finish line at Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse promises a genuine local celebration. With a steady field size and 14% of runners returning each year, this is a race that feels like a family reunion for the running community—a low-key, well-organized event that showcases the best of Anchorage's running culture.
Race-provided description
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 15, 2026 and Sunday, August 16, 2026. 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. Note: Shirt sizes are guaranteed through June 30, 2026. 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 15th Delaney Park Strip 10th & H Street, Anchorage, AK, 99501
August 16th Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse 610 W 6th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 Bib Pickup August 14th 1st United Methodist Church – 725 W 9th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 1:00 PM – 6:30 PM August 15th 1st United Methodist Church – 725 W 9th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Check out these race partners for amazing adventures: Information about Travel-Lodging-Things to Do 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 2026, ready to train, run, and create new memories together! Race Director Melanie Clark and Race Director Emeritus Sharron Fisherman
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Start Time
8:45 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse, Anchorage, AK, 99501
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
AK25010FW · Anchorage, Alaska RunFest Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite848 years running
~479 finishers a year
shrinking
14% returning runners
USATF certified · 4 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 47 states
winner 1:13:36
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
51°
Afternoon (High)
63°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
80%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 2,699 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
2,699
Median time
2:23:15
Latest turnout
528
States
50
Turnout by year
2021–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Anchorage RunFest?
The Anchorage RunFest is held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, starting at 8:45 AM.
Where does the Anchorage RunFest take place?
It takes place in Anchorage, Alaska.
What distances does the Anchorage RunFest offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 49K, 26.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles.
Is the Anchorage RunFest course flat and good for a PR?
The Anchorage RunFest is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Anchorage RunFest?
HalfRuns has finish records for 2,699 runners who have completed the Anchorage RunFest.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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