Runners, at your mark…get set…go!
Go to the Big Wild Life Runs on Aug. 18, that is. The event in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, offers races for runners and walkers, serious and recreational runners, kids and adults, short distances or full marathon—basically something for everyone!
Here are some of the events at the Big Wild Life Runs:
Moose’s Tooth Marathon
This 26.2-mile course begins in the heart of downtown Anchorage, winds through the streets and then heads out onto the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail at Second Avenue. Runners will go past Westchester Lagoon, Earthquake Park, Postmark Drive, and Point Woronzof, making this a very scenic event. Runners finish back downtown at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and F Street next to Town Square Park. The course is USATF certified and a Boston Marathon qualifier.
The Moose’s Tooth Marathon is also open to walkers.
Bear Tooth Marathon Relay
This 26.2-mile course is to be completed by a team of four. The course also runs past Westchester Lagoon, Earthquake Park, Postmark Drive and Point Woronzof. Runners turn around at “the Blue Bridge” and run back north to Chester Creek Trail. Leg One is 5.8 miles, the second 7.3 miles, third 6.9 miles, and final 6.2 miles.
Skinny Raven Half Marathon
The half marathon is the most popular of all the Big Wild Life Runs, with 1,166 finishers recorded in 2012. The 13.1-mile course also begins downtown, then winds through the streets to Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and Second Avenue. Racers then veer east at Westchester Lagoon onto Chester Creek Trail to Goose Lake. The final leg goes back downtown, finishing at Sixth Avenue and F Street.
Snow City 5K
The five-kilometer course begins downtown, runs down the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail at Second Avenue, and loops around Elderberry Park. In 2012, 829 finishers crossed the Snow City 5K finish line.
The Anchorage Mile
If speed is more of your thing than distance, then the inaugural Anchorage Mile may be for you. The race is open to only 200 racers and will consist of four heats of 50 on the fast and flat road course, starting on 10th Avenue between H and I Streets.
Children’s Hospital at Providence Kids’ 2K
Thanks to generous support form Healthy Future Alaska, this race is free to any child eager to run! This no-pressure race is a fun run on the Delaney Parkstrip on August 17. There will be family-friendly activities following the race, and each child will receive a medal and a hat.
If you’re a beginner or an experienced racer, join the running crowd on Aug. 18 in Anchorage to promote a healthier, fitter, and more exciting Alaska!
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