The Salmon Run on the Coastal Trail expects 1,000 participants, up from 850 last year. Three-time Olympic skier Kikkan Randall is scheduled to run, as is defending Gold Nugget triathlon champion, Shannon Donley. Runners can choose to race distances of 10, 5, or 2 kilometers.
If you are looking for something off the beaten path, The Eagle River Challenge offers the first trail race of the spring. Using the Echo Bend loop, the race begins on the Rodak nature trail and finishes on Crow Pass trail at the Eagle River Nature Center.
Asta Spurgis of the Eagle River Nature Center said she expects to see 60 to 80 people run the 10-kilometer race.
"It's still kind of a well kept secret," said Spurgis.
She said runners should be aware that bear season has begun, so they should be careful on the trails. Volunteers are posted at six intersections to keep lookout and keep runners on the right path.
Spurgis said the weather for past races has been gorgeous, but there is still some snow on the trail.
If you don't like running, but want to get outside, Amblin' for Alzheimers is a noncompetitive walk expecting 300 people. This is the sixth year for the event and it's expected to be the biggest one yet.
The paved trail is convenient for people with strollers or walkers. There will be entertainment on the trail and an ice cream social at the finish. All raised funds stay in Alaska, supporting Alzheimers Resource of Alaska.
The Forget Me Not Run at Woodside Park expects to have around 300 participate. A ceremony at 9:30 a.m. starts the event, and a picnic with door prizes will take place after the race.
Dinosaurs, Run For Your Life is a free 2-kilometer event geared toward kids 10-and- under.
For those not inclined to run, or looking to rest after the big run, there is the Spring Snuggle non-run Sunday.
"No sloppy mud, no cold weather, no slick trails, no strenuous training and no tired muscles ... spend the time at home snuggling with your pets," reads the 2010 Alaska runners calendar.
"It's a fun way to let people assist a pet," said Carol Hawn-Miller of Kitty and K-9 Connection, the organization behind the event that helps save the lives of abandoned and orphaned cats and dogs.
Saturday's races
Salmon Run
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Coastal Trail, with start and finish at Inlet View Elementary
Distances: 10 kilometers, 5 kilometers, 2 kilometers
To enter: $15 before 7 tonight at Skinny Raven or online at skinnyraven.com; $20 day of race from 8:30-9:30 at Inlet View Elementary (1219 N St.)
More information: skinnyraven.com
Forget Me Not Run
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Woodside Park, 20th Avenue and Ingra Street.
Distances: 10 kilometers and 5 kilometers
To enter: $25 adults, $50 families, $20 military, register online at forgetmenotmission.com
More information: forgetmenotmission.com
Amblin' for Alzheimers
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Kincaid Outdoor Center
Distance: 5 miles
To enter: $15, register online at alzalaska.org.
More information: alzalaska.org
Dinosaurs Run For Your Life
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Cuddy Family Midtown Park, 201 E. 40th Ave.
Distances: 2 kilometers
To enter: No entry fee. All are welcome.
More information: Katch Bacheller, 274-2400.
Eagle River Challenge
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Eagle River Nature Center, Mile 12 Eagle River Road
Distances: 10 kilometers
To enter: $30, register at the race.
More information: info@ernc.org; Asta Spurgis, 694-2108.
Spring Snuggle Non-Run
Where: Anchorage
To enter: $30 register online at kittyandk-9connection.org; Donors receive a t-shirt.
More information: kittyandk-9connection.org
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