Running Free Alaska

03/15/2026

Click in deeper on this story, and you'll see Sarah Hayes interviewed. Sarah is a former participant of Running Free at Hiland, and will soon be joining our board of directors!

Hundreds of runners donned all manner of green outfits and took to the streets of Westchester in Anchorage Saturday for the 15th annual running of the Shamrock Shuffle 5K.

03/04/2026

RUN or WALK, join the St. Paddy’s Day festivities at the Bear Tooth and help us support Running Free Alaska! ☘️ There is 5K of fun on the iconic Shamrock Shuffle course, looping around Westchester - if Lucky the Leprechaun catches you, that’s $1 going towards RFA. So tell a friend or two, and let’s fill the course, March 14, for some green and gold revelry!

Everyone gets an iconic beanie, a branded pint glass, and a $10 Bear Tooth voucher. Event-branded shirts are available for add-on!

Northrim Bank, Member FDIC | Bear Tooth Theatrepub & Grill | Denali OBGYN | The Alaska Club | Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic | Soccer Alaska | Orthopedic Physicians Alaska | Alaska Premier Dental Group | United Physical Therapy | Anchorage Police Department | Alaska 529 | BMW of Anchorage | Tommy's Express Car Wash | Clear Alaskan | Kaladi Brothers Coffee

03/04/2026

Feeling exceptionally lucky to again partner with the fantastic crew at Running Free Alaska at the 2026 Shamrock Shuffle! ☘️ Running Free operates a running program for the women at Hiland Correctional Center. Participants are provided with a training framework, coaching, and gear, as well as support after release to continue building healthy habits and structure as they reenter the community. RFA believes that the simplicity of running helps people live their best lives!

You can help support the great work this organization does by donating through the Shamrock Shuffle platform, our goal this year is $3,000! The SRS team also contributes $1 for every person the Lucky the Leprechaun passes while on course - so bring a friend, let’s pack that iconic course! Lucky starts a few minutes after the gun time, and we always like to find a local speedster to chase down that lead pack.

Join us, March 14 at the Bear Tooth Theatrepub & Grill, for St. Paddy’s fun and help us support our friends at RFA!

Northrim Bank, Member FDIC | Altra Running | Bear Tooth Theatrepub & Grill | The Alaska Club | Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic | Soccer Alaska | Orthopedic Physicians Alaska | Alaska Premier Dental Group | Imaging Associates | United Physical Therapy | Anchorage Police Department | Alaska 529 | BMW of Anchorage | Tommy's Express Car Wash | Clear Alaskan | Kaladi Brothers Coffee

03/04/2026

12/02/2025

If you have been following RFA for the last 13 years, you know we have a successful running program inside Hiland Correctional. In 2026, we will be standing up a transition house for our runners who are released and re-entering our community. The house will be a safe and healthy landing spot, with programming centered on exercise and outdoor activity. Please donate (click on our website below) during this giving season to help us expand our services and support our runners as they begin a new life.

Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Alaskan women who are incarcerated through a structured running program and to provide running-related support after release.

08/20/2025

Sign up now for the most inspiring course you'll ever run! The Running Free 4 Miler course starts at Eagle River High School and makes a loop around the security road at Hiland Correctional. Participants from our program inside Hiland will staff the aid station while you are cheered on from the "inside" by our runners in the yard where we hold our practices.
Race day is September 21, 10:30 a.m.
https://runsignup.com/Race/AK/EagleRiver/RunningFree4Miler

Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Alaskan women who are incarcerated through a structured running program and to provide running-related support after release.

11/19/2024

Kimberly Valentine from Running Lifestyle interviewed our board president and general manager last month and wrote a lovely article about our program. Check it out!

Running Free Alaska promotes mental and physical wellness for women who are incarcerated or recently released.

07/28/2024