Take advantage of the famous five-series Salmon Run on the Tsalteshi Trails, Tuesday nights throughout the summer. Running along bark chips and dirt trails isn’t just more challenging, it’s also gentler on the joints and lets you see the beauty of wild Alaska like few visitors can. Proceeds of the series ($15 per race) benefit the Kenai Watershed Forum’s educational programs. You can register online at www.kenaiwatershed.org, or simply show up—the entry price is the same.

For runners who will be in the Kenai area for an extended stay, score a race discount and get all five races for just $70. There’s also the Kids’ 1k Races, which started in 2017 and take place before every 5k trail run. Registration is just $5 for children ages six and under.

The Salmon Sprint

The races were established by local Allie Ostrander as her 2012 Caring for Kenai contest entry. She earned silver for her idea, but wanted to see it come to life. Over 100 runners join every year, and it has quickly become a local run series favorite. Held behind Skyview Middle School at 5 p.m. on August 7, you just might spot famous runners like Holly Brooke (Olympic skier and Mount Marathon Champ) cheering you on.

August 7 is the last event in the series, and includes a free BBQ feed after the 5k. Register online and find out more about the Salmon Run.