Commentary: Alaska Salmon Runs are on the road again

Runners prepare to start a 10K run on the Copper River Highway in 2018. Photo courtesy of Bree Mills

After having to hold a much-scaled-back Alaska Salmon Runs during the pandemic year of 2020, Cordova’s annual day of running, walking or strolling will be back on the road this year, July 17.

Irene Webber, founder of the Alaska Salmon Runs, rallied runners with her signature cheer, “See you on the road.”  This year, we’ll be seeing at least 50 runners visiting Cordova from out of town who visit here to celebrate running by traversing the Copper River delta.  And hopefully another 200 or so from Cordova will also come celebrate good health and recreation, as Irene always encouraged folks to do.  This year, when runners cross the Scott River bridge at 9 mile on the Copper River Highway, it will be named after Irene to honor her many contributions to the community of Cordova.

Whether you’re covering 26.2 miles in the marathon or the 1-mile fun run/walk with your kids or your grandmother, there’s a distance for everyone. Join us for a day of getting outside together, a chance to set the beeps and screens and daily obligations aside for a couple of hours.

We are trying to keep participants and volunteers as healthy as possible so please consider getting vaccinated, and register before the event, either by registering online at cdv.tiny.us/runs or at the Bidarki Recreation Center on Second Street.  Runners may register in advance and pick up a t-shirt at Bidarki, and will be given a race bib and a timing beacon on race day.

The SalmonJam.org web site also has schedule information for the week-long line-up of family-friendly activities running July 12-17, including small fry educational activities, art classes, and culminating in two nights of music at Mt. Eyak Ski Hill. Please note you’ll need to bring your own blankets and/or chairs, as we will not be setting up the big tent for this “Concert in the Park”.

Visit our event web site for race details, course information, and FAQs about the Alaska Salmon Runs, and hope to see you on the road!

Advertisement
Advertisement