FUN RACES
First, let's look at the fun races. All these races are inviting ways to start a running habit.
• One of the starting events of Fur Rendezvous, the Frostbite Footrace sounds way worse than it actually is. It's a short 5-kilometer course on the frosty streets of downtown during mid-February. There's always a costume contest, the people are extremely friendly and it's a good way to kick off a running season.
• Probably one of the biggest races in Anchorage is the Heart Run in late April. In this race, thousands gather near the UAA arts building to help the American Heart Association with the fight against heart disease. This year's Heart Run was canceled because of a late-season snowfall.
• Finally, if you're in Fairbanks during the summer solstice, then you should definitely try the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Midnight Sun 10K. Ten kilometers equal about 6.2 miles, so it's a longer course, but the people of Fairbanks really get into the spirit of this race.
CHALLENGING RACES
Now, if you feel up to a challenge, you might want to try the following races. Prior training is encouraged on these.
• The Mayor's Marathon and Half-Marathon are great races that go all around Anchorage during June. The marathon, a strenuous 26.2-mile course, is definitely for the advanced runner. The half-marathon is great for a teen who would enjoy a challenge.
• Next is the Big Wild Life Marathon and Half-Marathon in August, formerly the Humpy's Marathon, which is much like the Mayor's Marathon. Again, both races are for advanced runners but have an amazingly welcome atmosphere about them.
CHARITY RUNS
Many running races donate their proceeds for a certain cause, so you can feel good about running and feel good because you're helping a great cause.
• The MS Walk/Run in April is a great course near the shores of Lake Hood, and all proceeds go to helping the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
• The Alaska Run for Women in June, which helps women and men with breast cancer. It's a huge race for a great cause, with women running their hearts out to help find a cure.
• There also is the Alaska Men's Race this Saturday, which donates its proceeds to prostate and testicular cancer research. It's a flat course around the downtown area, run by people who have suffered the loss of a loved one from prostate/testicular cancer.
Well, there you have it, folks. Get out and be a part of the Anchorage running community. It's a phenomenal experience to finish a race, and I guarantee you'll get hooked.
Olin Blackmore is a rising sophomore at West High School.
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