Each winter, as the snow blankets Anchorage and the city celebrates its icy heritage, one event captures the spirit of Alaska like no other: the Running of the Reindeer. A frosty, fur-fueled spectacle inspired by Spain’s Running of the Bulls—but with a much more cuddly (and cold-tolerant) twist—this uniquely Alaskan event blends athleticism, absurdity, and local charm.
Held during the Fur Rendezvous Festival (a.k.a. "Fur Rondy"), the Running of the Reindeer brings together hundreds of brave—or just bold—participants who sprint down city streets alongside actual reindeer. Some runners dress in full athletic gear; others don antlers, onesies, tutus, or even Santa suits. The point isn’t to win—it’s to have a wild time in the most Alaskan way possible.
“It’s like the Running of the Bulls,” said one costumed participant, “but way more fun and way less life-threatening.”
The race is broken into several heats: one for men, one for women, and separate runs for groups and costumes. Reindeer, trained for the event and sourced from local herders, are released to trot—or charge—down a fenced-off course as the runners do their best to keep up (or dodge out of the way).
The reindeer, of course, often steal the show. Sometimes they stop to sniff a bystander’s mitten, other times they take off in unexpected directions. But that’s part of the charm.
What began in 2008 as a fun twist on a famous tradition has quickly become one of Anchorage’s most beloved winter events. It draws both locals and tourists, raising money for charity while adding a burst of energy to the already vibrant Fur Rondy celebration.
And it’s not just a laugh—participants come away with stories, bruises, and selfies that rival anything from a conventional 5K. The event is a reminder of the playful, offbeat heart that beats under Alaska’s frosty exterior.
The reindeer themselves are minor celebrities. Many have names, fan followings, and social media cameos. Their handlers are meticulous about care and safety, ensuring the animals are comfortable and calm throughout the race.
“Reindeer are fast, but surprisingly chill,” says one handler. “It’s the humans you have to worry about.”
Whether you're running in boots through the snow or cheering from the sidelines, the Running of the Reindeer captures something essential about life in Alaska: a love of adventure, a hearty laugh in the face of cold, and a deep bond with the animals that share the landscape.
So next time you find yourself in Anchorage in late winter, bundle up, don your silliest costume, and get ready to run—for fun, not from fear.
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