|  The holiday season is in full swing, and communities across the state have planned fun ways to be physically active outdoors with your family.
Dec. 16, 2017
Celebrate the Solstice. Go for a walk in the woods in Eagle River, snowshoe in Fairbanks, or head out for a run in Willow.
The Eagle River Nature Center invites you to bring your lantern, or borrow one of theirs, to light your way along the trails to a bonfire. The free event runs from 6-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16. Participants can bring nonperishable food items to donate to the Eagle River Food Bank. Find out more online.
If you live in the Fairbanks area, sign up for the free Solstice Snowshoe Shuffle at noon, Dec. 16. Participants will shuffle along a 1-mile loop. Don’t have your own snowshoes? Don’t worry. The event organizers have extra snowshoes available for participants. Learn more at on Facebook.
Willow has put out quite the invitation online: “We want to encourage people to come to Willow and run in the dead of winter!” The Willow Winter Solstice Marathon Races also take place Dec. 16 with several options for those interested in shorter or longer runs. There will be a 5K, a half marathon and a marathon. Each course will be on winter trails. The event’s website is filled with words of caution, letting potential participants know they should be prepared for cold temperatures and varying types of weather. The website includes reminders to train for cold weather, pack extra clothes, and consider bringing snowshoes and spiked shoes. “You may need them!” the website said. Read more about this event online.
Dec. 17, 2017Got skis? Great if you do, but don’t worry if you don’t. Come to Kincaid Park in Anchorage from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, for the second Solstice Tree Tour. The whole family can ski — or walk — in the woods. Adults and children of all abilities are welcome. Trees along 2.5K of the Mize Loop will be decorated by local businesses and organizations, including our partner Healthy Futures. Find out more about the Tree Tour.
Dec. 31, 2017
Run — or dance — into the New Year.
Wrap up 2017 on a healthy note with your family. Join the Resolution Run New Year's Eve near the Alaska Pacific University campus in Anchorage. At 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, participants will run or walk 5K of roads and wooded trails decorated with a fun light and music display. The event starts and ends with a party at the Atwood Center. Watch an online video about the run and learn more online.
Mark your calendar or sign up early. A popular ski event for kids is coming up soon.The annual Ski4Kids Day is set for Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, at Kincaid Chalet in Anchorage. The event features short ski races ranging from 1K to 3K that are timed or untimed. Children receive a medal and goody bag for finishing. Ski4Kids features many other winter activities, too. These include obstacle courses, a mock biathlon, and more. There is no participant fee for Ski4Kids, but a donation goes toward the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage to provide ski equipment to schools and youth groups. Registration is available online. Find out more about the event.
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