Alaska News

Weekend Picks: Run for Women, tackle Mud Factor, go fishing or check out Ren Fair

Warm weather is forecast for this weekend and there's no better time to get outside for some fun at events around Anchorage.

Outdoors

Run for Women and Mud Factor 5K

Thousands will be seeing pink Saturday during the 23rd annual Run for Women, which raises breast cancer awareness and grants funds to programs combating the disease. Bib pickup for the 1- to 5-mile event starts at 6:45 a.m.; runs and walks start at 8:30 p.m. in the Sullivan Arena parking lot. Suggested donation is $25. Find a route map and other details at akrfw.org.

Feel like getting a little -- or a lot -- dirty? Mud Factor, the "Seriously Fun, 5K Obstacle Run!" takes place at Kincaid Park on Sunday and will feature various muddy obstacles set to rock music. If you aren't already signed up, be prepared for a steep day-of-registration fee ($85 and up). A pre-party will be held the day before with a giant waterslide and live music by national acts including Dirty Heads, Matisyahu, Watsky and others.

See mudfactor.com for details.

All weekend

Fishing

Fish fever has gripped Southcentral. Expect anglers elbow to elbow on the Russian and Kenai rivers seeking red salmon. Halibut derbies are underway in Homer, Seward and Valdez. King salmon anglers in Alaska's largest city can enter the Slam'n Salm'n Derby for free and have a shot at hauling in a fat chinook wearing a $1,000 tag -- or other valuable prizes. Whew. For anglers looking to escaping the maddening crowds, though, lake fishing for trout or Dolly Varden in Anchorage and Mat-Su can be rewarding. And a handful of fat rainbows more than 20 inches long have been stocked by the state.

ADVERTISEMENT

Festival

3 Barons Renaissance Fair

A live chess match, tomato show and plenty of wenches, pirates, royals and other merriments will be on offer at this longstanding Renaissance fair, noon-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Tozier Sled Dog Track (3400 E. Tudor Road). Day passes are $7-$8 for adults, $5 for children. See 3barons.org for details.

Victoria Barber

Victoria Barber was formerly the features editor at the Anchorage Daily News and is an occasional contributor.

ADVERTISEMENT