Alaska Salmon Runs

Copper River Salmon Jam running events

The Alaska Salmon Runs take place in Cordova, Alaska, as part of the Copper River Salmon Jam. The next scheduled date is July 18, 2026. Race headquarters is the Cordova Community Medical Center (CCMC) parking lot on Chase Avenue. Start and finish for all distances are at the CCMC parking lot. T-shirts and race bibs are available for pick-up at Bidarki Recreation Center starting June 24 and at the CCMC parking lot; bibs may also be picked up on race day. Registration opens online November 1, 2025; in-person registration at Bidarki Recreation Center is available until July 17, 2025 at 5 p.m., and a printable mail-in form is available. All finishing marathoners and half-marathoners receive finishers' medals. Place awards are given to the top three male and top three female finishers of each event and are presented at the AK Salmon Runs salmon BBQ lunch on Saturday afternoon. Volunteers assist with water stations, registration, timing, Race HQ set-up, baked goods, and shuttles; volunteers receive a $5 discount on Salmon Jam admission.

Course and logistics

The course is point-to-point across the Copper River delta, mostly flat at sea level, and follows the old Copper River railroad route. The marathon starts near the 27 Mile Bridge; the first half of the marathon is gravel with little traffic, and the final 10 km run along Eyak Lake. Wildlife such as moose and bear are occasionally seen. Marathoners are followed by a public safety vehicle driven by trained EMTs. Water stations are located every 4-5 miles starting at mile 5 of the marathon. Porta-potty and USFS restroom locations are provided at specific mile points on the marathon and half-marathon courses. Shuttle buses run from Race HQ to the start lines for all distances except the One Mile Fun Run, which starts at the hospital. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• King Salmon Marathon
• Sockeye Half-Marathon
• Coho 10K
• Humpy 5K
• Smolt 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

Events nearby