31st annual Alaska Run for Women set for Saturday morning

The 31st annual Alaska Run for Women is scheduled for Saturday morning at the University of Alaska Anchorage Cuddy Quad.

The event traditionally draws thousands of women with the goal of raising awareness and funds to end breast cancer and promote mammograms and early detection.

Due to a large expected crowd, preregistration is strongly recommended at akrfw.org. Other information, including the course and parking availability, and the virtual run option are also available on the site. The run has no registration fee, but a $25 donation is suggested and larger donations are welcomed.

On Saturday, onsite bib pickup and registration are available starting at 6:45 a.m. only for untimed events. Registration for the 5-mile timed run, along with online registration for all events, closes at 6 p.m. Friday.

There will be an in-person bib pickup Thursday at the University Center Mall, 3801 Old Seward Highway, from 4 to 7 p.m.

A yoga warm-up is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Saturday, and staging for all events starts at 8 a.m., followed by waves of participants, including a 1-mile run/walk, 5-mile timed and untimed events for runners and walkers, and the 5-mile party wave.

This year’s honorary starters are Dr. Roland Gower, Carol Butler and April Powers.

There will be postrace refreshments from Great Harvest Bread Co. and awards honoring speedy runners and competitors who are breast cancer survivors.