Running-Eagle RIver, Talkeetna, Palmer, Seward, Girdwood.

Question

I plan to run the Mayor's Half Marathon (start time 8:30am) next summer from a stay in Palmer. (I had already booked my lodging and flights last summer/fall and found out about the half marathon later). I'm thinking that I need to leave Palmer at least by 7am to get to the start by 7:45-8am. Should I leave earlier, given potential for highway work?

Also, I'm a regular runner so would like to fit in some shorter runs 3-5 miles safely. Can I actually do this by myself? With my 12 year old son? I plan to take bear spray but wondering if I and my son (taller than I) would look like prey if we run?

For example, wondering which of the following are feasible for runs or if they are too rocky or unsafe due to wildlife . I have bad ankles so usually can only run on paved bike trails or dirt fire roads (with no significant rocks or pebbles). Other suggestions for runs are very welcome! Here are some hikes we are considering that would be time-saving and nice to be able to do as a run/jog with photostops.

Eagle River Nature trail

Thunderbird Falls

Riverfront park along Big Susitna River (Talkeetna)

Talkeetna Lakes Park

Gold Cord Trail at Hatcher Pass

Aprl Bowl trail at Hatcher Pass

Other trail near Hatcher pass?

Winner Creek (Girdwood)

Aleska hike (in lieu of tram ride up)-we've done Grouse Grind but that was definitively a hike, not a run (for me, at least)

Lost Lake Trail (Seward) - is this 14 miles RT though?

Iditarod Trail (Seward)

Two Lakes Trail (Seward)

Tonsina Point Trail/Caines Head (at low tide) - Seward

Exit Glacier and loop

Russian RIver Falls trail (Cooper Landing)

Soldotna Creek Park boardwalk

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge trails

Along Kenai River?

Byron Glacier Trail (1.4 miles RT)-Whittier

Portage Pass Trail 2 miles (Whittier)

Trail of Blue Ice Trail (2.5 miles out and back)-Whittier

We will be in Eagle River, Talkeetna, Palmer, Anchorage, Seward, Soldotna, and Girdwood and visiting Cooper Landing, Whittier and Glacier View. We will have a car. We probably would like to do about 5-6 runs during our visit in late June. We would like to do a good number of the above as either runs or hikes (though probably only a half of them) . Also, suggestions on the best hikes for the shortest distance or alternative options would be welcome. My son is best with 1-3 mile hikes/runs but we've done a little longer ones if there are interesting sights or I could run myself if its a safe trail (rockiness, wildlife, and general safety-wise).

Thanks!

Answer

For your late June Alaska trip combining the Mayor's Half Marathon in Palmer with sightseeing and running/hiking in Eagle River, Talkeetna, Seward, Girdwood, and surrounding areas, careful planning will ensure both safety and enjoyment.

Race Day Logistics:

Leaving Palmer at 7:00 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. start is reasonable under normal conditions, but consider leaving 15–20 minutes earlier (6:40–6:45 a.m.) to allow for unexpected highway work, traffic, or parking. Alaskan roads in summer can have construction zones even outside urban areas.
Ensure you have your bib, water, and any gear prepared the night before to minimize stress on race morning.

Running Safety and Bear Awareness:

Short runs (3–5 miles) are feasible along established paved or well-maintained dirt trails. Your son can accompany you, and carrying bear spray is wise in areas with potential bear encounters.
To reduce risk, run in pairs, stay on popular trails, make noise periodically, and avoid running at dawn or dusk when wildlife is more active.
Trails near towns (Eagle River Nature Trail, Talkeetna Lakes Park, Riverfront Park along Big Susitna) are safer and well-used, making them ideal for runs with your son.

Feasible Running Trails / Options:

Eagle River Nature Trail: Paved/dirt trail, good for a 3–5 mile loop, safe for solo or parent-child runs.
Thunderbird Falls: Shorter hike, dirt trail; some rocky sections, but manageable. May be more of a hike than a run.
Riverfront Park, Talkeetna: Flat and safe, easy 3–4 mile runs possible.
Talkeetna Lakes Park: Scenic and mostly flat, ideal for a shorter run.
Gold Cord & April Bowl Trails at Hatcher Pass: Dirt roads, moderate terrain, may have some rocks; runnable in parts, but caution advised for ankles.
Winner Creek/Alyeska, Girdwood: Some steep or rocky sections; can be used for short runs if careful, otherwise better for hikes with photo stops.
Lost Lake Trail, Seward: About 7 miles one way (14 miles RT) — suitable for a longer solo run but too long with your son.
Iditarod & Two Lakes Trails, Seward: Dirt and moderate terrain, generally safe for shorter runs.
Exit Glacier Loop: Short loop (approx 2–3 miles), rocky in sections, runnable for experienced trail runners.
Russian River Falls (Cooper Landing): Moderate trail, generally safe; shorter distances possible.
Soldotna Creek Park Boardwalk: Flat, paved; very safe for short runs.
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Trails / Kenai River: Some areas are more remote; best for solo runs if comfortable with wildlife and carrying bear spray.
Byron Glacier Trail, Whittier: Short (1.4 miles RT), safe and scenic.
Portage Pass & Trail of Blue Ice, Whittier: 2–2.5 miles, moderate; safe for shorter runs with caution.

Recommended Strategy for 5–6 Runs During Trip:

Plan most runs near towns (Eagle River, Talkeetna, Girdwood, Seward) for safety and convenience.
Reserve longer solo runs for scenic trails you are comfortable with (Lost Lake, Kenai River sections).
For your son, stick to shorter loops (<3 miles) with easy terrain and interesting scenery.
Use the hikes with minimal rocks for jogs with photo stops (Thunderbird Falls, Exit Glacier, Talkeetna Lakes).

General Tips:

Check trail conditions before running; Alaska trails can have mud, uneven rocks, or wet sections in late June.
Bring water, wear layers, and use proper trail shoes for ankle support.
Consider running early morning to avoid higher foot traffic and potential wildlife encounters.

Overall, a mix of town-adjacent trails for safer short runs and select scenic trails for solo or moderate family hikes will allow you to balance training, sightseeing, and wildlife safety during your Alaska visit.