Alaska Run & Walk for Women in Girdwood event Thursday

A group photo from 2022, the event’s most successful turnout for Girdwood celebration for Alaska Run & Walk for Women. (Photo courtesy of Briana Sullivan)

By Briana Sullivan

Alaska Run & Walk for Women in Girdwood

In Girdwood, we will be celebrating the many years the Alaska Run for Women has united thousands of women from all over the state and beyond in one of the largest all-women runs in the country. Since 1993, the goal of ending breast cancer has brought waves of women of all ages - with their energy and love together at the starting line, for a common cause. Now, the event offers a virtual option already underway for one week.

“Please join us to celebrate 33 years - In Person or Virtually!",” said Girdwood Organizer Briana Sullivan, Alaska Run & Walk for Women. Since 2024, the Girdwood Fire Department and the Girdwood Clinic teamed up with Briana Sullivan and Four Valleys to organize a unified Team for Girdwood community to join.

“If you've already joined a team, you can still donate to Girdwood's team or show up to participate!. The event has always brought me joy, participating decades ago among a sea of powerful pink support—and into adulthood,” Sullivan added.

“Being a part of the event and knowing so many women impacted by cancer motivates me to join this important annual event. I am happy to help our community stay off the highway or have a local option if they cannot make the main event in Anchorage in a given year." 

Girdwood's event will be Thursday, June 5, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Magic Carpet.  Sign up for Girdwood's Team!” she exclaimed.

The Girdwood event is part of a larger vision for Alaska, The Alaska Run for Women mission is "To raise money for and awareness of breast cancer and women's health, and to showcase the talents of Alaska's women athletes."

She said this is accomplished through: an annual women's run and walk event that serves as a vehicle for fundraising, participation, awareness and competition, and grant making to organizations concerned with breast cancer research, education, outreach, prevention and early detection.

You can sign for Girdwood's Breast Intentions at the link:

https://www.akrfwregistration.org/team/4558

She said the community has been an avid supporter of the the Girdwood event as well as participating in Anchorage. She said Four Valleys Community School assisted with the flyer and permit through Girdwood Parks & Recreation. Also, Alyeska Resort granted us the Magic Carpet for our start and finish area.

She requested Thursday participant bring $2 for the Girdwood Parks & Rec fee if you come on Thursday evening! Bib pickup will begin at 6 p.m. if you register online asap for the Girdwood Team.

Also, Sullivan said Linda Mankoff will have tickets!  You don’t need to be present and you can inquire at the Girdwood Clinic for more information. There are great prizes including trip for two on Alaska Airlines to Maui with a five night stay at Ho'oilo House.

(Note: Jon Scudder contributed to this article)