2009 Healthy Futures Events 
The following events are geared towards kids, and empowering them to stay active and full of life, together with their families.
Remember, it’s about participation rather than winning, about having fun by keeping active and learning that life experiences through athletics are meaningful and lasting. Sign up to receive email event reminders.
FEBRUARY 2009
14 Winter Trails Day, Campbell Creek Science Center
REI and the Bureau of Land Management host this free event for families and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Try snowshoes, classical and skate skis, view sled dog races, take a trip through snow shelter “parade of homes” and a tackle the geocache challenge. There are educational talks on winter wildlife, avalanche awareness, winter camping, and the Iditarod, as well as skijoring and ski waxing demonstrations. 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free and open to the public. 272-4565
16 Stumpy's Snowball Biathlon, Moose Meadows, Girdwood
A 1K cross-country ski race between three snowball targets designed for kids and adults of all ages. 1-3 p.m. No entry fee, although donations are accepted. B.Y.O.S (Bring your own skis). 783-2544. View Flyer
28 Frostbite Footrace & Costumed Fun Run, Downtown Anchorage
Races include the 2.5K Costumed Fun Run and 5K competitive run. Courses run through downtown from the Fifth Avenue Skywalk (between the Egan Center and the Performing Arts Center) to Sixth Avenue and H Streets. Meet 9 a.m., race 9:30 a.m. Entry fee: $25/adults and $10/children. Pre-register at the Imaginarium, 5 - 7:30 p.m., Feb. 26 or 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. day of race (additional $5 per person). 274-1177
28 Ski 4 Kids, Kincaid Park
A winter festival jam-packed with sports activities to encourage youth to get outside, enjoy winter and stay fit. Meet at 10 a.m. Events kick off at 10:30 a.m. with a timed 3K ski race, followed by an obstacle course, snowshoe and skijoring clinics, a slingshot biathlon and orienteering ski course. The entry fee is a donation. Proceeds go to fund skiing equipment and gear for the Anchorage Parks & Recreation Ski Outreach Program. Register online or in person at REI (1200 W. Northern Lights Blvd.) 12:30 - 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, or 4:15 - 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009. Bib pickup and late day registration is available 9 - 10 a.m. the day of the event, although same day registrants may not be timed. www.anchoragenordicski.com
MARCH 2009
4-5 Fur Rondy Indoor Track and Field Meet, Dome at Changepoint
Youth of all ages can participate in a variety of track and field events including the 4x100 meter team relay, high jump, 100 and 110 meter hurdles, shot put, 100, 400 meter and 5000 meter races. Sponsored by USA Track & Field, AK and UAA, this is a USATF sanctioned event. Meet 6 - 9 p.m. Entry fee: $5 for event and each practice. oleruns@hotmail.com.
6 Native Youth Olympics, Riverbend Elementary, Juneau
28 Saga's 1st Annual Winter Jamboree, Juneau
A youth winter sports and fun day, hosted at Saga's Eagle Valley Center (24600 Amalga Harbor Rd.), 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Four cross-country ski races include
short and long courses, shoeshoeing, winter naturalist walk, and winter snow shelter tours. Choose one or or do them all! Carnival games, BBQ, craft booth in lodge, and more. This is a free event. For registration and free equipment rental call (907) 789-7035.
28-29 Galena Spring Carnival, Galena
Toddlers, young children, youth and teens participate in many events including the snowshoe race, ski race, dog race and more. www.ci.galena.ak.us
APRIL 2008
4 Glacier 10K & Mile Run, Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center, Juneau
A 1-mile or 10K flat and fast run. Entry fee is $15/adults and $5/18 and under ($18/$8 race day). Meet 9 a.m.; race time 10 a.m. for mile run and 10:30 a.m. for 10K. 790-4544
11 Beat Beethoven 5K, UAF Paddy Center, Fairbanks
The joyous strains of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, recorded by the Arctic Chamber Orchestra, will be heard as 500 runners vie to beat Beethoven, a.k.a Steve Bainbridge, in a 5K race to finish before the final note is played. Anyone who succeeds earns a free ticket to a Fairbanks Symphony Association or Arctic Chamber Orchestra concert of their choice. Entry fee of $20 includes a t-shirt. Late registration is $25; day of registration 35. www.fairbankssymphony.org (907) 474-5407 Registration Form
25 Heart Run, University of Alaska Anchorage Arts Building
Athlete’s young and old, of all abilities, take stride during 5K competitive and non-competitive runs and the 3K Heart Lite event. As the largest foot race in Alaska, the Heart Run remains a fun family day uniting serious runners and casual walkers in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Anchorage School District students, faculty and staff, parents and relatives are encouraged to join their Heart Run school team. Meet at 9 a.m. Competitive race begins at 9:30 a.m. Non-competitive and un-timed runs begin at 10 a.m. Entry fees: 3 and 5K entry fee: $20 adults, $10 ages 14 and under. $45 for immediate family. $5 chip fee per person. www.heartrun.com.
MAY 2009
2 Alaska Zoo Kids Fun Run, Alaska Zoo
Kids age three to 10 sprint past tigers, elephants and bears on an easy course that weaves through the Alaska Zoo’s 25 wooded acres, varying in length from the 100-yard Fox Trot to the 1K Caribou Cruise. Sponsored by Alaska McDonalds, the Alaska Zoo is staging this fun, healthy, family event to encourage young children to get out and get active. Meet at 9 a.m., race 10 a.m. $10 entry fee includes free admission for participants and family between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Register online at www.alaskazoo.org. 346-2133.
9 Salmon Run, Inlet View Elementary
A 2K, 5K and 10K fun run/walk down N Street, out and back on the Coastal Trail, geared for families and individuals of all ages and running abilities. Meet 9:30 a.m., race 10 a.m. Entry fee $15. www.anchoragesouthrotary.org, 317-8811
16 Bear Valley 5K Challenge, Bear Valley Elementary
Bring the entire family out for a 5K run set on a unique course, which begins on a soccer field, follows a steep road in the mountains above Anchorage, down through a neighborhood, on dirt roads, through the woods, over a creek and back to the finish line in the school hockey rink. It's a more challenging course, but because of its uniqueness families and kids love it! Meet at 8:30 a.m., race time 10 a.m. Entry fee: $9 adults, $6 youth through high school. Bear Valley Community Association. www.bearvalleycommunityassoc.org, 345-0434.
17 Gold Nugget Triathlon, Chugiak High School
Mothers, aunts, big sisters, friends and other female athletic role models enjoy the thrill and accomplishment of completing this course, which is designed for both the beginner and the experienced athletes. A special Mother/Daughter division introduces young woman to the healthy benefits of moderate exercise, regardless of age or ability. See first hand why this event is so beautiful. Register online at www.goldnuggettriathlon.com beginning in April.
20 Skinny Raven KidzMile, Wendler Middle School
18 & under run multiple times in timed 1-mile heats every 15 minutes. Participants receive certificate. Healthy food & snacks provided, volunteers welcome. Meet 3:30 – 7 p.m. Entry fee $5. Contact Christy Hickel 346-1902 or crusher@gci.net
31 Eagle River Triathlon, Chugiak High School
The adult race consists of 500-yard swim in Chugiak pool, a 12.2-mile bike ride and a 3.1-mile run. The youth race begins when the last adult has exited the pool, and is not timed. This is a great event for first-time participants in two age categories – ages six to nine and ages 10 to 12. The 10 to 12 year olds will swim 100 yards, bike four miles and run one mile. Ages six to nine will swim 50 yards, bike four miles and run .5 miles. Kids may accept assistance from parents and other helpers to ensure they have a good time. Adult race begins at 8 a.m.; youth race at 2:30 p.m. www.eaglerivertri.com
JUNE 2009
13 Alaska Run for Women, Anchorage Footbal Stadium
This unique and special 8K event, which raises funds for and awareness of breast cancer research and education, is designed for runners and walkers of all ages. 100 percent of entry fee donations go towards research & education, which have accumulated to more than $2.2 million since the event’s inception. Meet 8 a.m., race 9 a.m. No race day registration. www.akrfw.org
20 Mayor’s Midnight Sun Youth Cup, West High School and Hillcrest Dr.
Children age seven to 14 years compete in Alaska’s largest marathon. The 1.7-mile course loops around Westchester Lagoon and finishes with the other events at West High School during summer solstice. Race 9:05 a.m. Entry fee: $10 before June 17; $15 after. No race day registration. www.mayorsmarathon.com
JULY 2009
TBA Arctic Valley Trail Munchkin Run, Mile 7 Arctic Valley Rd
Alaska youth will be hot on the heals of elite and novice mountain runners during this 6th annual event. Four races include a fun Munchkin trail run, designed to encourage kids to sample the thrilling sport of mountain running, and a 3K junior race for 16 and under. Pack a lunch and enjoy a family picnic after the race. Arctic valley is beautiful this time of year. 264-7427.
AUGUST 2009
1 Alaska 10K Classic Youth Relay, Alaska Pacific University
A two-person youth relay (5K each), which coincides with the 10K Classic Road Race – a benefit for Special Olympics. Meet 9:30 a.m., race 10 a.m. www.10kclassic.com
16 Dinosaur's Run for Your Life Kids Run, 610 W 6th Ave. (Town Square)
Anchorage Running Club's premier event of the year, formerly known as Humpy’s Marathon, includes a fun un-timed 2K run for ages 12 and under. Money raised from this annual event allows the Club to accomplish its mission of promoting healthy lifestyles through running and walking. All participants receive medals. Meet 7:30 a.m., race 8:10 a.m. www.humpysmarathon.com
SEPTEMBER 2009
1-29 Bonny Sosa Tuesday Night Race Series, locations vary
A fall family tradition for both competitive and non-competitive runners. Three separate courses set each week at unique locations are kept secret until just prior to the start. Entry fee $2 kids, $5 adults, $10 family. Pick up a $30 series pass for adults, $60 for the whole family. Schedule and locations will be available online at www.muni.org/parks/tuesday.cfm. Register in advanced at www.active.com or 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. race day. Anchorage Parks and Recreation 343-4217.
12 Titan Trail Run, Teeland Middle School, Wasilla
100 yards for ages 4 and under, 1.2 miles for K-6 and a 2.4-mile or 5-mile rugged, single trail track for all. Meet 10 a.m. Register on site. Entry fee: $15/$10. kristi.shea@matsuk12.us.
19 Mat-Su Family Fun Run/Walk, Colony High School (DATE TENTATIVE)
From a Pre-K Dash to the 1-mile run/walk, there is something for the entire family at this inaugural event. No official times will be kept (it is a FUN Run, after all), but the stadium clock will be run for those that are interested in clocking themselves. A traveling award will go to the MSBSD School with the highest student participation percentage based on early registration forms. Meet at 10 a.m.
Youth Jamborees, various dates and locations
Cross country running events held at various locations across Anchorage provide a safe and nurturing experience aimed at increasing the confidence and desire of elementary students to experience running again and again. Pick the closest school, or attend them all! There is no entry fee. Register on site.
South Anchorage Cross Country Jamboree
TBA, K-6, Service High School
Meet 9 a.m., staggered race starts begin at 10 a.m.
Beach Lake Cross Country Jamboree
TBA, K-6, Birchwood Elementary, Chugiak
Meet 4:30 p.m., staggered race starts begin at 5 p.m.
North Anchorage Cross Country Jamboree
TA, K-6, Bartlett High School
Meet 4:30 p.m., staggered race starts begin at 5:30 p.m.
Fairbanks Running Series, various dates and locations
Thursday, Sept. 3: K-8, Two Rivers Elementary
Thursday, Sept. 10: K-8, Birch Hill Elementary
Thursday, Sept. 18: K-8, Salcha Elementary
Thursday, Sept. 24: K-8, Birch Hill Elementary
26 West Homer Orca Invitational Cross Country Meet, West Homer Elem.
School Staggered starts and distances for first through sixth grade students vary by age, Meet at 11 a.m. No entry fee. thoeft@KPBSD.k12.ak.us
26 Huffman Community Family Fun Run, Huffman Elementary School
A fun 3K run/walk on rolling terrain. The first half mile of the race course was
built by hand by a group of Huffman teachers, parents and kids. Register on site, 9:30 a.m., race 10 a.m. Entry fee $5 or $15 per family. rowe_jay@asdk12.org
OCTOBER 2009
6 -27 Bonny Sosa Tuesday Night Race Series, locations vary
A fall family tradition for both competitive and non-competitive runners. Three separate courses set each week at unique locations are kept secret until just prior to the start. Entry fee $2 kids, $5 adults, $10 family. Pick up a $30 series pass for adults, $60 for the whole family. Schedule and locations will be available online at www.muni.org/parks/tuesday.cfm. Register in advanced at www.active.com or 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. race day. Anchorage Parks and Recreation 343-4217.
NOVEMBER 2009
22 Fronteras Go for the Gravy, ¡Corre o Camina!, Wasilla High School
A 5K run/walk and indoor kids’ fun run for the whole community to enjoy a fun, healthy, Thanksgiving activity together. The race will encourage elementary school students to exercise with their peers, as well as witness adult role models exhibiting healthy exercise habits. The outdoor races begin at 10:30 a.m.; indoor kids' fun run at 11:30 a.m. Bib pick up and day of registration from 9 - 10 a.m. Awards ceremony, food and prizes immediately following. For the registration form and more information: www.fronteras-k8.us
DECEMBER 2009
21 Candy Cane Ski Race, Fairbanks |
