If you enjoy running, Juneau marathons should be on your race bucket list. That’s because its events are scenic. Enjoy the fresh air and see views you won’t find in other areas of the country, such as a massive glacier, unique wildlife, birds and sea creatures.
Start planning your trip to Juneau now around these marathons, half marathons and fun runs taking place between now and next year.
This is a novelty run that you won’t want to miss. Juneau Trail & Road Runners organizes the event. The race takes place at Savikko Park. It only has a 5K distance so you can start training now and be ready.
The race is affordable at just $25 for adults and $15 for youth. All proceeds benefit the Juneau-Douglas High School Cross Country Teams.
The race starts at the northern end of Douglas Highway. Choose between the half marathon and 5K. The race is an affordable $15 for adults and $5 for youth.
Honor those who have served while raising funds for the VFW Taku Post 5559. The race takes place at Brotherhood Bridge parking lot. Select between the 8K and 1-mile distances. Adults cost $15 and youth cost $5.
Run along Airport Dike Trail as you celebrate the holiday. Work up an appetite with a 5K or 1-mile race. Pricing is not yet set for the event but it will benefit a local charity.
Grab your sweetheart and head to one of the most beautiful cities in America. Each of you will run 1 mile starting at Savikko Park. Tag your partner and allow them to run the same course. Work together to win and have a good time. The short distance makes it attainable for runners and walkers of all abilities.
Starting from Savikko Park, you’ll run down Douglas Highway and then turn around and come back. The event has 5-mile and 1-mile options to match the abilities of all athletes. The event has historically had a small group of runners.
The out-and-back course runs along Glacier Spur Rd. You can choose between the 10K and 1-mile race. For those who are not early risers, this is a great option because it starts at 10 a.m. giving you plenty of time to rest up and reduce jet lag if you’ve recently traveled to Juneau. The 5-year average temperature is between 58 and 80 degrees, meaning you won’t have to worry about layering up for a cold weather run. But do bring moisture-wicking apparel because it is often drizzly or rainy.
This event starts at Pavitt Health & Fitness, which is located at 10004 Glacier Highway. And after the race, you’ll have access to the facilities where you can relax in the jacuzzi or sauna for race day only. Otherwise, you’ll need a day pass to get in.
The race comes with a free smoothie from the snack bar. This race requires that you record your race time and submit it to the organizer using the Google Form. The perk of this format is that you can race when it is most convenient for you. Explore Juneau at your leisure and choose when you want to participate in the event.
The course includes an 8-mile option or a 1-mile option. While the course had to be shortened to 7.4 miles in 2024, the structural issues that caused the change appear to no longer be a problem.
Start and finish the race from the Auke Lake boat launch parking lot. The race is relaxed, allowing you to register in person. It costs only $15 for adults and $5 for youth.
SEEKING ACCOMMODATION IN JUNEAU?
Race across Gastineau Channel in mid-May. It’s a great time to play in the mud that comes with spring’s wet weather. Plan to bring a towel or a clean change of clothes as you’ll get wet and muddy. The short course is 4 miles long and the long course is 7 miles long. Register on race day and get out and enjoy spring in Juneau.
Start from Lena Beach Picnic Area. Then run the paved Lena Loop Beach/Picnic access road. The race has a 5K or 1 mile option. Adult entries cost $15 and youth entries are $5. The event starts at 9 a.m.
The event benefits the Special Olympics of Alaska. The race starts at Twin Lakes Park. It’s a unique experience because the race will happen simultaneously in 13 communities in the states. It aims to raise $150,000 for the Special Olympics. Runners, walkers, joggers and even rollerbladers are welcome.
With five legs, the race is great for a group of runners. It totals 21 miles across all legs. If you have a group of athletes with varying abilities, you can choose among the various legs to help make the race attainable.
Choose between the 1-mile race and the 4.9 mile. Enjoy the scenic course that goes along Powerline Trail. The full course is on the trails.
Race for conservation starting from the Float Plane Access Road located at the Mendenhall Refuge Trail. If visiting Juneau is not feasible for you right now, consider the virtual race to still support the cause and get out and run.
Enjoy the 5K or 1-mile race. This event goes through downtown and encourages crazy costumes. Historically it was held at midnight on the summer solstice but in recent years it has moved to a more traditional race timeframe. For locals, it has become a tradition that has followed them from childhood to adulthood.
The race has 2-mile, 4-mile and 7-mile options. It starts at the end of Basin Road for a scenic course you won’t want to miss. The race honors a local teen who was a cross country runner and faced a terrible accident.
The proceeds from the event benefit the Juneau High School cross country teams. Enjoy a 1-mile loop along Egan Dr.
The entry fee for this event is extremely affordable at just $8. You’ll start the event in downtown Juneau and then run 1 mile up the 1800-foot ascent of the Mt. Roberts Trail. It’s a unique event but don’t plan for a personal best because of the steep incline. But it will be one of the most unique events you can participate in and a great way to see Juneau.
The 5K is out and back starting and ending at Juneau Bone and Joint Center. Bring the whole family and participate in the kids 1 mile race. If you’re doing the 1-mile, you can also sleep in as it starts at 10 a.m.
All proceeds benefit the Eldred Rock Lighthouse rehabilitation project. The race also serves as a memorial for the former director Justin Fantasia who lost his battle with brain cancer in 2022. The event begins at 10 a.m. and features 5K and 10K options.
Enjoy scenic water views during this marathon and half marathon. The courses are USATF-certified and go along North Douglas Highway.
Here’s what one athlete had to say about the event:
“It was challenging and fun to see all the dedicated people show up in the rain to race. With only 40-50 people running the marathon, it was peaceful and not crowded like Disney races. The race organizers were extra encouraging all 5 1/2 hours of running.”
See the work that the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store does by participating in the run/walk event. Proceeds from the event also help support the thrift store’s mission and provide services to the poor in Juneau.
As you plan your Juneau trip, consider the best location to stay that will put you close to the events and activities you plan to participate in. Juneau Hotel is downtown and puts you in the midst of everything. Walk to local restaurants and tourist must-see locations or stroll down to the pier where you can see ships coming and going. Book your stay now to experience the lively downtown atmosphere.
Further reading:
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Learn about the Halloween Half and 5k race in Juneau, AK. The event takes place around the holiday and is a fun way to see the area on foot.
