2015 Summer Racing Schedule

I am stoked for racing this summer! I cannot wait to get out there and run all of my favorite local races. I have the same ones I’ve been doing the past few summer but adding in a few new ones as well.

Heart Run 5K – April 28

This race usually kicks off the racing season for most people. It is a very competitive 5K, and it will be my first time running it. The first year I lived up here, I had intended to run it but a snowstorm left us buried, so the race was canceled. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen again this year!

Trent/Waldron Glacier Half-marathon – May 23

This is one of my favorite races all summer because it doesn’t end on a hill! No, actually I still love it for other reasons as well: the weather is always great; small, low-key start; and cheap entry fee ($30 for the half-marathon). I know the course like the back of my hand, which is always nice too.

Twilight 6K/12K – June 5

I’m not sure if I will run the 6K or 12K this year. This is a great Friday night block-party during some of the longest days of the year. I may be biased as my employer puts it on, but it really is a fun, well-ran race.

Alaska Run for Women – June 13

I really want to do this race, but I am still on the fence about it. The race would take place the weekend before the marathon, and if I do end up running the marathon the week following, then I will more than likely have to forgo this event. It would jeopardize my marathon performance too much. But in the event that I do decide to run it, this would be a new event for me. It is a very competitive field, so it would be fun to race with some of the top local women.

Mayor’s Marathon – June 20

This is the premier marathon of the summer for the Anchorage area. I ran it once four years ago, which was one of my slowest marathons. But now I know the course, and I think I am a stronger, more fit runner with more marathon experience under my belt.

Bear Paw 5K – July 11

This is a fun little local 5K in Eagle River. There aren’t a lot of 5Ks, so I usually strap on my speediest of shoes for this race.

Her Tern Half-Marathon – July 19

I absolutely love this event! If you are a women in the Anchorage area, you MUST run (or walk) this race. It is such a female-friendly, uplifting event. The hill at the end of the course isn’t so fun, but you do receive a handmade bracelet at the end. (I wear mine all the time!)

Alaska 10K Classic – August 8

I love the 10K, and this is usually the only 10K I run, so I always make the most of it. I’ve done this race a couple times in the past and look forward to it each year.

Big Wild Life/Skinny Raven Half-Marathon – August 16

I most likely will run the half-marathon at the Big Wild Life race series. This would be my 5th time running this race–the most of any other race I’ve completed. The weather is usually drizzly and overcast, but it is still a fun event, and a good tune-up for my fall marathon.

Kenai River Marathon – September 27

I would love to be able to do two marathons this year. Only time will tell, but if all goes as planned, I want to run this race to defend my title from two years ago.

So there you have it. My list of races for the upcoming summer. Like I said, I am super excited about getting out there and being able to race this summer. I was fortunate to be able to run 6 races last year during my pregnancy. And while I did well at most of them, I am looking forward to not racing with a baby on board. Racing will take on a whole new meaning with Cullen waiting at the finish line for me–even if he really doesn’t understand what is going on yet. I know he will motivate me in a different way!

And if you are an Anchorage-local, hit me up for any questions on the local races, and I hope to see you out there!