THE ALASKA STORY
Oct. 9,2026 – Anchorage is hosting a Zombie Half Marathon on Saturday, which raises the obvious question: Do we really need a special event for what is a zombie-laden city?
For anyone who has watched the city’s street-drug crisis unfold, the Halloween theme comes with an uncomfortable reality. Hollywood spends good money on makeup and special effects to create scenes that Anchorage residents encounter on an ordinary trip to the grocery store.
Saturday’s zombies will have running shoes, race bibs, and somewhere to be — Kincaid Chalet is the race end.
The annual Zombie Half Marathon takes place Oct. 10, beginning at Goose Lake Park, 2811 UAA Drive. Walkers start at 8 am, followed by runners at 9 am. The course heads to Kincaid Park, and a two-person relay option is available for those who prefer to divide their escape from the undead. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes.
It’s a fun fall tradition. Get outside, get some exercise, and enjoy Anchorage’s trails before winter settles in.
Still, the promotional possibilities practically write themselves: “Come for the zombie run. Stay for the fentanyl fold”
There is, of course, a grim difference between a runner wearing fake blood and a person doubled over on a sidewalk in the posture associated with fentanyl use. One is enjoying a Saturday morning jaunt. The other may be in serious danger.
The people struggling with addiction are increasingly familiar throughout Anchorage, where stores have locked away their merchandise to try to stall the theft that comes with this social decay.
That familiarity should bother us. A city ought to be able to stage a Halloween event without its residents wondering whether the theme was inspired by the view through their windshield.
For one morning, at least, Anchorage can celebrate people moving with purpose along its trails. And hopefully, there will be enough people to make everyone feel safe on the urban trail system.
If you want to join Saturday’s organized zombie contingent, registration is available online.
Otherwise, watch out for zombies on Saturday. As usual.
