Alaska Salmon Runs
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Alaska Salmon Runs
Held on July 18, 2026 in Cordova, Alaska, with race headquarters at 620 Chase Ave, the Alaska Salmon Runs offers multiple distances on courses that traverse the Copper River delta. Events follow portions of the old Copper River and Northwestern Railroad route and are mostly flat at sea level.
Distances
- King Salmon Marathon - 26.2 miles
- Sockeye Half Marathon - 13.1 miles
- Coho 10K - 6.2 miles
- Humpy 5K - 3.1 miles
- Smolt 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk - 1 mile
Most distance events are point to point and use shuttle buses from race headquarters to the start. The one mile event starts in front of the Cordova Community Medical Center on Chase Ave. The marathon begins on a gravel road and later follows paved road; water stations occur roughly every 4 to 5 miles, with restroom facilities and USFS outhouses located at several miles along the route. The half marathon is mostly flat across wetlands and streams with water stations every 4 miles and restrooms noted along the course. Shuttle vans transport 10K and 5K participants to their start locations.
A postrun Salmon BBQ lunch is offered with salmon, side dishes, dessert and door prizes. Race winners are announced and medals awarded to the top three women and men in each event at the Pioneer Igloo on First Street. The lunch is open to everyone; bringing a dish to share for six to eight people grants free entry. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.