2026 Junior Achievement of Alaska Beat the Bear 5k
About the Event
Welcome to the Ship Creek Trail Race, where runners of all ages can explore the scenic beauty and challenging terrain along Alaska's iconic waterway. The race begins at the Ulu Factory Parking Lot, offering participants a convenient starting point for an unforgettable experience. The event features two distinct waves: one for young racers and another for adult competitors aiming to secure official times and prizes. For kids under 11 years old, there’s a special Kids Wave that includes a unique twist – they get the chance to race against a person in a bear costume! This "Beat the Bear" event adds an exciting element of fun as children dash along the easy-to-follow 1K course. Those who cross the finish line before their furry competitor will be rewarded with a commemorative gift. The adult timed runners, meanwhile, take off at 9:05 AM for a competitive 5k race along Ship Creek Trail. All participants in this wave start simultaneously and have the opportunity to vie for top honors. To ensure an accurate record of performance, all racers must register specifically as part of the Timed Runners Wave. Whether you’re running with your little ones or pushing yourself against fellow adults, the Ship Creek Trail Race offers a blend of adventure, excitement, and community spirit that makes it a standout event in any runner's calendar. With its picturesque surroundings and engaging activities, this race promises to be both challenging and enjoyable for everyone involved. Join us at Ulu Factory Parking Lot on the day of the event to embark on an unforgettable journey through Ship Creek Trail!
Races Offered
Adult Timed
Oct 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Adult Timed
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
94 days remaining
sell
$25.00
Adult Timed
Oct 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Adult Timed
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
94 days remaining
sell
$25.00
Kids Race 1k
Oct 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Kids Race 1k
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
94 days remaining
sell
$5.00
Kids Race 1k
Oct 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Kids Race 1k
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
94 days remaining
sell
$5.00
Youth Timed (10-16 years old)
Oct 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Youth Timed (10-16 years old)
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
94 days remaining
sell
$25.00
Youth Timed (10-16 years old)
Oct 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Youth Timed (10-16 years old)
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
94 days remaining
sell
$25.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Anchorage.
thermostatTemperature
0.2° / 5.7°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-3.7° / 2.4°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
4h 58m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.9 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
0.6 cm
air
Avg wind speed
8.6 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
79.7%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:46
nightlight
Sunset
18:43
About Anchorage
Learn more about the host city, Anchorage.
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, in the Southcentral region. Anchorage is a cosmopolitan port city with a population of 291 247 (2020). It is a consolidated city-borough referred to as a municipality. The urbanized city is defined by Muldoon Road to the east, Rabbit Creek Road to the south, and Cook Inlet to the north and west. Several small suburbs are within the Municipality of Anchorage while physically outside what most Anchorageites would call the "Anchorage" proper area. These include Eagle River and Chugiak to the north and Girdwood to the south.
