Welcome

Welcome to the Alaska Run for Women, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Tax ID #92-0149312

Our Mission
"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. To read founder Terri Pauls' complete narrative of the RFW's origins, click here. 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.

In 19 years, nearly $3 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 grant recipients, go to grants.

2011 Recap
With a record field of 7,231 participants (including 382 breast cancer survivors), $222,645 was generated for the grant program. Of that, $112,645 went to Alaska programs concerned with breast cancer; $80,000 will be used for the Alaska Run for Women mammogram program for low-income and under-insured women; and $30,000 was donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for clinical scientific research. See complete list of grant recipients here.

 

Back to top

Annual Race Design
A new design is selected each year and is used on promotional materials and official AKRFW merchandise. Local artists interested in donating a design may contact Kathy Wisthoff.

Conceived and drafted by Alaska Run for Women board members, Kathy and Jay Wisthoff and finalized by graphic artist Douglas Girard, the 2012 design celebrates 20 years of breast cancer awareness, the achievements of Alaska's top female runners, and all of the Alaska artists who have generously shared their beautiful vision associated with the race. As shown here, designs from the past have each, in their own way, depicted the strength of the many women who have participated in the run. The puzzle pieces signify the rich history of this event, and show how each year builds on another. It is how the pieces fit together that make a memorable event for each and every participant.

Past Race Designs

Thank you to the following artists who have generously contributed their inspirational designs.

Terri Pauls (93); Kim Olmsted (94, 95, 96, 97, 00, 07); Deb Essex (98, 03, 08); Suzanne Bach (99); Karen Daugherty (01, 04, 05, 06); Douglas Girard & Kathy Wisthoff (02); Vonnie Gaither (09); Lynda Purvis (10), Lorraine Hebert (11).