Alaska Salmon Runs
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Alaska Salmon Runs - Copper River Salmon Jam (Cordova, July 18, 2026)
Alaska Salmon Runs is a set of road races held in Cordova, Alaska, that honor the local salmon species and traverse the Copper River delta. Race headquarters is in the Cordova Community Medical Center (CCMC) parking lot on Chase Avenue. Runners for point to point distances meet at Race HQ and are transported by shuttle to their respective start lines; the one mile fun run starts from the hospital.
Distances offered include:
- King Salmon Marathon
- Sockeye Half-Marathon
- Coho 10K
- Humpy 5K
- Smolt 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
The course follows the old Copper River railroad route across mostly flat, sea level terrain. The route includes gravel and paved sections, glacier-carved mountain views, rivers, lakes, and areas of wildflowers. The marathon begins near the 27 mile bridge and the final 10 km run along Eyak Lake. Wildlife such as moose and bear are occasionally seen from the course. Marathoners are followed by a public safety vehicle with trained EMTs. Water stations are placed roughly every 4 to 5 miles on the marathon, with restroom facilities and porta-potties at several course locations.
T-shirts and race bibs are available for pick-up beginning June 24 at Bidarki Recreation Center and at Race HQ. Online registration is open for 2026 and in-person registration is available at Bidarki Recreation Center until July 17, 2026. Finishers of the marathon and half-marathon receive medals; place awards are given to top three male and female finishers at the post-race salmon BBQ lunch at the Pioneer Igloo on Saturday afternoon.
Volunteer roles include staffing water stations, registration, timing, Race HQ setup, providing baked goods, and shuttle driving. Volunteers receive a $5 discount on Salmon Jam admission. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.