It’s that time of year when the salmon are running and so can we. irene Webber (1937 – 2018), founder of the Alaska Salmon Runs, created this day of running to celebrate salmon, the beautiful scenery on the Copper River Delta, and good health.
The 39th AK Salmon Runs are right around the corner, taking place on July 19. We have 27 marathoners signed up so far for the King Salmon Marathon, and we usually see about 250 people altogether come out for this great day of running and walking with friends and family. You can sign up for a marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk. In-person registration opened at the Bidarki Recreation Center on July 1 (online registration is also open at salmonjam.org).
It’s all part of the fun on Salmon Jam weekend – running, live music and good food! Take a look at the festival schedule at salmonjam.org. You can also sign up to volunteer for a two-hour shift during the festival and get a 50% discount on admission to Salmon Jam (see “Volunteer” on salmonjam.org).
Salmon Jam is powered by volunteers. There is truly something for everyone as a way to participate – from selling tickets at the gate, to hosting a water station for runners, to setting up the big tent.
To help get ready for the AK Salmon Runs, or just to stretch out a little bit, you can join the running club being offered this summer by the Bidarki Recreation Center. Staff leads a short run,1-3 miles, from Bidarki on Mondays starting at 10:30 a.m. It’s a great way to get the kinks out and get a sense for pacing yourself. Bring a friend with you and the miles will pass even faster!
And give irene a shout with her own special rally cry, “See you on the road!” when you do get out, to give your lungs and your heart a few extra pumps.
Kristin Smith is the mayor of Cordova, and a race coordinator with Alaska Salmon Runs.
