2027 Anchorage RunFest
Anchorage RunFest: 16 years of Alaskan running, live bands, and welcoming community.
Expected Race Date
~Aug 2027
Date not yet announced — this is when the race usually runs.
Location
Anchorage, AK
Quick facts
- Date
- around August 2027 (expected)
- Location
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
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
[image: Button Box Gang https://anchoragerunfest.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/button_box_gang-1024x692.jpg]
2026 Course Entertainment
Our list of entertainers fills up fast. Are you interested in donating your entertainment talent to encourage our runners on their quests? We look for all kinds of talent: singers, instrumentalists, bell ringers, drummers, boom box operators, etc. We’re all ears! If this sounds like fun, email us (annpgray@hotmail.com) and offer your unique talents!
Christensen Drive
Sandra Calvillio 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Drums
Diane Hall 10:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Guitar/Song
Evil Wizard Band 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Jazz
Karen Barnard and Charlie Rogg 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Violin & Tin Whistle
2nd. Avenue
Crow Creek Pipes and Drums 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Bagpipe Band
Rick Zelinski's IcyGrooves.com 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Sax and Bass (https://IcyGrooves.com) Christine Napoleon 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Guitar/Song (https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sq4Dz7gn1rnPt7U63tNVP
Logistics
Race Day
around August 2027 (expected)
Start Time
TBA
Start Location
Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse, Anchorage, AK, 99501
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
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
Frequently asked
When is the 2027 Anchorage RunFest?
The 2027 Anchorage RunFest hasn't announced its next date yet, but it typically takes place around August 2027 (expected).
Where does the 2027 Anchorage RunFest take place?
It takes place in Anchorage, Alaska.
What distances does the 2027 Anchorage RunFest offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the 2027 Anchorage RunFest course flat and good for a PR?
The 2027 Anchorage RunFest is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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