Mission Statement

"To raise money for and awareness of breast cancer and women’s health, and to showcase the talents of Alaska’s women athletes."

This is accomplished through: an annual women's run/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.

Race History

The first Alaska Run for Women event was held in 1993 and drew 700 participants. It was started as an alternative to the then 15-year-old Alaska Women's Run. Read founder Terri Pauls' complete narrative of the RFW's origins. Now one of the most visible running events in the state, the Run is also one of the largest all-women runs in the country.

Organized by a strong group of volunteers – a board of directors and a race committee – the Run generates a unique sense of camaraderie and sisterhood. Competitors include runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, many sporting cards honoring a loved one who has survived breast cancer or in memory of those who have not.

Since 1993, $4.2 million in cash and donated mammograms has been generated by the event – all of which has been distributed to organizations associated with breast cancer. The donated mammograms are given to low-income women through a program administered by a local non-profit. To learn more about the grants program or to review a list of all grant recipients, visit our grants page.