Run for the Refuge

Celebrate the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with our 28th Annual Run for the Refuge trail race! This annual event is a hybrid race, meaning you can participate in person or virtually. All proceeds go to the Northern Alaska Environmental Center's Arctic Program.

The in-person run will take place on Sunday July 14th with the option for a 5k or 10k. Race day registration will open at 11:00 a.m. and the race begins at 1:00 p.m. at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Ski Hut. Course is over rolling terrain, on well established trails. Refreshments provided at finish. Entry fee for either race includes an iron-on patch for those who register in advance, and there are prizes for top finishers. There will also be door prizes-- spectators are welcome! Support the conservation of Alaska's largest refuge by participating in this fun, family-friendly event. No unaccompanied minors; kids please bring your parent or guardian. 

For those outside of Fairbanks, participate by running, walking, hiking, biking, paddling, or another human-powered activity on a route of your own design between July 12-14th. Join our Facebook Event Page to discuss your routes and get inspired. Use #RunForTheRefuge and tag @NorthernCenter on social media to share your adventures!

BIB PICK UP: Friday July 12 at the Northern Center (830 College Rd) from 4:00-7:00pm. Paper bibs are for in-person runners only, Run Anywhere participants will get custom digital bibs they can print at home. 

Regardless of location, registrants will receive Run for the Refuge iron-on patches. If you would also like a T-shirt, we will have the design print-to-order on Bonfire.com. Run Packets will be mailed for all virtual registrants. For those in Fairbanks, pick up your packet at the Northern Center office early or at the Ski Hut on race day. 

CATEGORIES: This year the race categories are Men, Women, and Non-Binary Adults; and Boys, Girls, and Non-Binary Kids (ages 0-12). Prizes will be given in each category for 5k and 10k. 

SMOKE POLICY: If air quality at the UAF Ski Hut is over 150 AQI according to the Fairbanks North Star Borough site (https://bit.ly/3IspIbn) at 7:00 am on race day, the run will be moved to 100% virtual. 

COVID POLICY: If you have symptoms of COVID or any contagious disease, please stay home or do an activity you enjoy on a less populated trail as the "Run Anywhere" option.