Alaska sports coverage: racing (Iditarod, Iron Dog, Mount Marathon), collegiate athletics, high school sports, ski culture, pro sports with Alaska angles
A Fairbanks guide wants the state's OK to run commercial trips on the Alatna — a Wild and Scenic river so remote the only way in is by floatplane.

Bashing in Basher, but can't unbash what's been bashered.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is happening across North America with viewer-friendly Alaska timing, and Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau have free or easy watch parties through mid-July.

For nine days, Alaska swaps the rink for the diamond: free kids' clinics, midnight-sun ball, a "Sandlot" screening, and a Fourth of July finish in Fairbanks.

Mat-Su Disc Golf Association volunteers spread donated wood chips across muddy tee pads at Alcantra course in Wasilla, a free public course seeing growing use from families and casual players.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is hiring a contractor to provide certified sports officials for youth programs serving 1,240 games annually across six sports after operating six months without professional officiating.
Kenai Peninsula Disability Pride Celebration comes to Soldotna Creek Park on July 18, 2026, marking the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with community organizations and local voices.

Kenai approved a 20-year parks plan to consolidate ball fields into one expanded sports complex. • Downtown green spaces become seasonal campground and event venue. • City spends 1.3 million yearly on parks but recovers only 17 percent through fees. • Near-term priorities include new playgrounds and ice rink upgrades.

Katmai's bear cams go live Tuesday at 11 a.m. Alaska time, streaming brown bears fishing at Brooks Falls as salmon season begins.

A Kenai parent asked the Parks and Recreation Commission to lower the weight room age limit at Kenai Rec Center from 16 to 14, saying the current policy pushes families to drive to nearby communities where younger teens can use gyms independently.

The 20th Twilight 12K drew 1,847 runners on May 29, the largest field in a decade, with 890 finishers in the 12K and 957 in the Skinny Mini 6K.

Iron Dog snowmachine race will expand its 2,500-mile route through Huslia, Shungnak, and Ambler after federal wildlife officials reversed a prior denial, clearing permits to cross three national refuges and parks.

Archangel Road in Hatcher Pass opened for summer, restoring vehicle access to Reed Lakes Trailhead and alpine hiking. Expect rough unpaved conditions, limited parking, and weekend crowds.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Parks Department is hiring seasonal workers for summer 2026 trail maintenance and campground operations, offering hands-on training in outdoor recreation management.

Discover Kodiak opens registration June 15 for Adjust Your Altitude, a five dollar summit challenge running through Sept. 1 that sends hikers to seven Kodiak peaks with over two thousand dollars in prizes.

The Anchorage Assembly voted 5-6 to reject a resolution that would have required the administration to increase parking capacity at the Basher Trailhead from the planned 45 spaces to 60 spaces.

Kenai Beautification Commission hosts a free garden tour August 11 at 5:30 p.m. to showcase landscaping at Leif Hansen Park and the visitor center.

Kenai Parks Commission unanimously approved a 10-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan on May 7 and sent it to City Council, which will review it May 20 and vote in June.

Fairbanks organizers are pursuing state funding to host the 2028 Arctic Winter Games after quickly raising initial funds, with support from local officials and the potential for significant economic impact.
A House panel kept a $100 surcharge on foreign park visitors — $400 for a family of four. Alaska's gateway towns, which live on summer tourists, are watching.

Anchorage Platting Board will decide July 1 whether to eliminate a Canyon Road walking path so a developer can build a house on a vacant lot near Flat Top trailhead.

Anchorage Assembly will vote on giving Chugach Electric permanent easements through Russian Jack Springs Park and Ira Walker Park to bury power lines underground, improving storm resilience.

