Medvejie Solstice Run
The 19th annual Medvejie Solstice Run is a hilly out-and-back along Sawmill Creek Road in Sitka.
Race Date
Jun 20, 2026
Location
Sitka, AK
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Location
- Sitka, Alaska
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 10K, 5K
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 50
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
On the longest day of the year in Southeast Alaska, runners gather at Herring Cove for the Medvejie Solstice Run, now in its 19th edition. This hilly out-and-back course runs along Sawmill Creek Road toward the Medvejie Hatchery, with turnarounds at distances of 5K, 10K, and half marathon. The half marathon extends all the way to the Green Lake Power House before returning the same way.
The race is a beloved fundraiser for Sitka High School’s cross-country and track programs, drawing a loyal local crowd and a handful of traveling runners who appreciate its honest challenge. The first 100 registrants receive a technical t-shirt, and Sitka High students run for free. Day-of registration keeps things accessible, and the small-field atmosphere means runners get plenty of encouragement along the road.
There’s no grand expo or glossy production—just a well-organized point-to-point (or, more accurately, out-and-back) that lets the scenery do the talking. The start at Herring Cove offers a glimpse of the surrounding forest and ocean, and the steady climb and descent keep racers engaged. It’s a race for purists: a genuine test of hill strength wrapped in a community celebration of running.
Race-provided description
The Medvejie Solstice Run Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM | Herring Cove, Sitka Mark your calendars and start logging those miles — the Medvejie Solstice Run is back! Join us for the 19th annual running of this beloved fundraiser supporting the Sitka High School Cross Country and Track programs. Three distance options wind out along Sawmill Creek Road toward Medvejie Hatchery and back, starting and finishing at Herring Cove (adjacent to the Beaver Lake Trailhead parking lot at the end of Sawmill Creek Road). Fair warning: this is a hilly course. Train accordingly! Race Distances & Turnarounds 5K — turnaround approximately halfway to the hatchery10K — turnaround near the Medvejie HatcheryHalf Marathon — turnaround at the Green Lake Power House Registration
5K: $30 10K: $35 Half Marathon: $45
Online pre-registration is appreciated and ends at 5 pm Alaska time on Friday, June 19. Day-of registration (fees increase by $5) is available from 8-8:30 am at Herring Cove. The first 100 registered runners receive a technical (non-cotton) t-shirt. Sitka High School students run free — t-shirts available for purchase separately. Volunteer Want to be part of the fun without the hills? Volunteers are warmly welcomed and needed! Questions or more info: runsitkahigh@gmail.com See you on the road!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Start Location
4700 Saw Mill Creek Rd., Sitka, AK, 99838
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
Quality Score
1 year running
~19 finishers a year
small race — neutral
0% returning runners
4 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:21:54
typical high 60°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
50°
Afternoon (High)
60°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
88%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 50 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
50
Median time
2:03:17
Latest turnout
27
States
6
Turnout by year
2023–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Medvejie Solstice Run?
The Medvejie Solstice Run is held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Medvejie Solstice Run take place?
It takes place in Sitka, Alaska.
What distances does the Medvejie Solstice Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 10K, 5K.
Is the Medvejie Solstice Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Medvejie Solstice Run is a hilly, out & back course.
How many people run the Medvejie Solstice Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 50 runners who have completed the Medvejie Solstice Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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