How far can you walk this summer?
Join the virtual trek through Southeast Alaska and see how far you can walk, run, or hike between May 1 and September 1 without ever leaving your town. The more miles you walk the more chances you have to win great prizes in local drawings and two round-trip tickets from Alaska Airlines! Walk Southeast. Fly Alaska!
2024 Registration
Registration is open April 15 to May 6. Participation is free, but registration is required to be eligible for the prize drawing at the end of the summer. Please register with the community in which you reside. If you live outside of the communities listed below, select ‘Other’.
Walk Southeast. Fly Alaska!
You could win two round-trip tickets from Alaska Airlines! This prize drawing is open to all registered Walk Southeast participants from southeast Alaska. Each participant who walks a minimum of 150 miles will receive one (1) ticket. The drawing will take place on Friday, September 8. Walk Southeast. Fly Alaska!
Community Challenge
Sitka has accepted the challenge for 2024 which means there are now five communities aiming for the title!
Since our communities (Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Wrangell, and Sitka) are vastly different by population, the bragging rights—and a really cool trophy from Alaska Airlines—will go to the community with the highest average of miles walked per participant. Scroll down to see who has claimed the bragging rights in previous years.
Walk Southeast FAQs
Intentional walks, runs, and hikes Treadmill and elliptical miles Wheelchair miles
Daily step count (or mileage converted from a step count) Bike rides, paddling/rowing activities, swimming, skiing, etc.
- My Virtual Mission App: The My Virtual Mission app allows you to connect a fitness tracker (Runkeeper, Garmin, or Apple) which will automatically add your miles to the challenge. Please note, participants using the app must be at least 12 years old, have their own device, and register for their own My Virtual Mission account.
- Paper Mileage Tracker: The paper mileage tracker can be printed or downloaded to check off the boxes for each mile you walk. You can also choose the reverse side which has a log to write where you went and keep a running total.
Watch this how-to video to to learn about setting up your account.
The first 53 seconds on the how-to video includes registration instructions specific to Juneau residents. If you are from Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, or Wrangell jump ahead to watch the section specific to the My Virtual Mission app.
The Walk Southeast challenge in My Virtual Mission is ‘private’ which means you won’t be able to find it just by searching. You must have the link provided at registration. Once you request to join, we are notified and will confirm your registration within 48 hours.
You can set up your account, join the mission, and connect your tracker before May 1. Get set-up early! Even though Walk Southeast begins on May 1, you cannot add miles to the app until you are approved. For example, if you don’t join the app until May 6, you will not be able to add miles for walks done between May 1-6.
One more thing to note, regardless of when you register for Walk Southeast, requests to join the MVM will not be accepted after 9 a.m. on May 7. If you miss the deadline, we will transfer your registration over to the paper tracker and email you the PDF to track your miles manually.
Juneau Residents: Instructions for setting up your My Virtual Mission app, joining the mission, and connecting your fitness tracker (Runkeeper, Garmin, or Apple) are provided at the time of registration. Check your email (or junk folder) for the receipt/confirmation from Juneau Parks & Recreation and look for the attachments. The How-To PDF includes all the details you need including the link to join.
My Virtual Mission & Apple
Apple will only upload workouts to MVM (i.e. walks, runs, hikes). The ‘important points’ shown on the ‘MVM Connections’ page do not apply to Walk Southeast. Accumulated steps do NOT post automatically every 24 hours and you do NOT need to have MVM open in the background. When you connect Apple to MVM and use your watch to track a ‘workout’, it will automatically post the distance immediately following your walk.
Each of the participating communities—Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Wrangell, and Sitka—will have a ‘local’ prize drawing just for their residents. Tickets for the local drawing are earned based on the furthest community you reach. These are noted on the paper tracker with the orange stars and in the MVM app by the Milestones along the route. To be eligible for prizes, participants using the paper tracker must submit a copy of it by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3. No action is required for MVM users.
All ‘local’ drawings will take place on September 10 and winners will be notified by phone/email.
The Alaska Airlines drawing for two round-trip tickets is open to all registered Walk Southeast participants from Southeast Alaska. Each participant who walks a minimum of 150 miles will receive one (1) ticket. The drawing will take place on Tuesday, September 10. Walk Southeast. Fly Alaska!
To qualify for the Alaska Airlines drawing, you must:
- Live in Southeast Alaska
- Be registered for Walk Southeast
- Walk a minimum of 150 miles between May 1 – September 1
- Submit a Mileage Tracker by September 3 (MVM users do not need to submit a tracker)
Trackers can be submitted in a number of ways. Regardless of where you reside or which organization you registered with, trackers can be submitted online.
The link to submit online will be posted here soon.
Optional methods, i.e. submitting in-person or via email, may also be available depending on where you reside. Check your community’s section below for more information.
Trackers, regardless of how far you made it, must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3 to be eligible for the prize drawings.
If you reside in a community that has a ‘local’ drawing, you can increase your chances to win by checking in when you reach designated communities along the route. These communities are noted on the paper tracker with blue stars. If you are using MVM, you will receive notification upon reaching the designated milestone.
To earn the bonus ticket you will need to submit a photo from a recent walk or hike. Methods for checking in vary depending on the community you reside in. See the community section below for instructions.
Join the Walk Southeast 2024 Facebook Group after you register. It’s a great way to stay connected throughout the 4-month challenge and encourage each other along the way. Tell us where you walk, when you reach your next community, or post some photos from your recent hikes. You might even meet new people, find new places to explore, or exchange friendly banter with participants in other communities.
This is a private group for registered Walk Southeast participants throughout all Southeast Alaska. You will need your registration/receipt number when you request to join.
Information Specific to Participating Communities
Some details (registration, checking in methods, contact information, etc.) are specific to the community. Participation is not limited to the communities noted below, however; anyone from Southeast Alaska is welcome to participate. If you reside in a community not listed here, see the information in the ‘Other’ section.
Registration
Juneau residents register online HERE beginning on April 15. Look under the ‘Special Events’ tab and choose one of the two tracking methods: paper or app. Registration closes at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 6.
Paper Mileage Trackers
Paper trackers are emailed at the end of April to participants who register for that tracking method. If you register after that, look for the attachment in your registration confirmation email.
Walk Southeast Kick Off | May 5
Join us on May 5 at Twin Lakes to kick off the season! Meet Parks & Recreation staff, add a mile or two to your tracker with a walk along the lake, and put your name in the hat for a Walk Southeast t-shirt. For those using My Virtual Mission, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and get some hands on assistance setting it up. Stop by any time between 1 – 2:30 p.m.; door prizes will be drawn throughout and a #teamjuneau photo will be taken around 2.
Walk Southeast Hikes
Join us for a hike this summer! Locations and exact times are yet to be determined, but you can save the dates now:
- Saturday, May 25
- Saturday, June 22
- Tuesday, July 9 (Junior Hike)
- Saturday, July 20
- Saturday, August 17
Details for each hike will be added here and announced on Facebook 1-2 weeks in advance.
Submitting Bonus Photos
You can earn a bonus ticket for the ‘local’ drawing by checking in when you reach Hoonah, Pelican, and Sitka (noted on the paper tracker with blue stars). Upon reaching each community, submit a photo from a recent walk or hike online here. If you are using My Virtual Mission, links to check in and upload a photo can also be found in the notification you receive upon reaching each milestone. Pro tip: turn notifications on in the app!
Submitting Paper Trackers
Paper Mileage Trackers are due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3. You can submit it in one of two ways:
- Upload a copy through the online form
- Drop it off at the Parks & Recreation main office during regular business hours
All participants who submit their tracker, regardless of how many miles you walk, will receive a Walk Southeast sticker.
More Information
- Juneau Parks & Recreation
- 155 Heritage Way (formerly S. Seward St.)
- 907-586-5226
- [email protected]
Thanks you JNU Sponsors!
     
   
   
Registration
Peterburg residents register online HERE. Registration is open April 15 to May 6.
Paper Mileage Trackers
A fillable/printable Mileage Tracker will be emailed to you. You can also pick one up at Petersburg Parks & Recreation.
My Virtual Mission App
New this year! You can track the miles you walk, run, or hike through the My Virtual Mission app as an alternative to the paper tracker. Miles can be added manually or by connecting Runkeeper, Garmin, or Apple (to use Apple, you must have a wearable device).
To use MVM, choose this method at the time of registration and instructions for joining the mission will be emailed to you. A paper tracker is no longer needed which means there is nothing to submit at the end of the summer. Your mileage will automatically be reported to admin.
Note: You are still a #teampetersburg member, however, the app is being managed by Juneau Parks & Recreation and you will be following the Juneau to Ketchikan route on the virtual trek.
Submitting Bonus Photos
You can earn a bonus ticket for the ‘local’ drawing by checking in at three communities along the way. These are noted on the paper tracker with blue stars and in MVM within the details of the respective milestones. Upon reaching each community, post a photo from a recent walk or hike to the Walk Southeast Facebook group. Please include what community you are checking in at, and how many miles you have walked since May 1.
If you are using My Virtual Mission, you can also check in online by using the link provided when you reach the designated community. Pro tip: turn notifications on in the app!
Submitting Trackers
Paper Mileage Trackers are due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3. You can submit it in one of the following ways:
- Upload a copy through the online form
- Email a copy to [email protected]
- Drop it off at the Parks & Recreation office
All participants who submit their tracker, regardless of how many miles you walk, will receive a Walk Southeast sticker.
More Information
- Petersburg Parks & Recreation
- 500 N. 3rd Street
- 907-772-3392
- [email protected]
Thanks you PSG Sponsors!
 
 
 
 
Registration
Peterburg residents register online HERE. Registration is open April 15 to May 6.
Mileage Trackers
- A fillable/printable PDF Mileage Tracker will be sent to all registered participants by the end of April or at the time of registration
- OR pick up a Mileage Tracker in person at Wrangell Parks & Recreation
My Virtual Mission App
New this year! You can track the miles you walk, run, or hike through the My Virtual Mission app as an alternative to the paper tracker. Miles can be added manually or by connecting Runkeeper, Garmin, or Apple (to use Apple, you must have a wearable device).
To use MVM, choose this method at the time of registration and instructions for joining the mission will be emailed to you. A paper tracker is no longer needed which means there is nothing to submit at the end of the summer. Your mileage will automatically be reported to admin.
Note: You are still a #teamwrangell member, however, the app is being managed by Juneau Parks & Recreation and you will be following the Juneau to Ketchikan route on the virtual trek.
Submitting Bonus Photos
You can earn a bonus ticket for the ‘local’ drawing by checking in at three communities along the way. These are noted on the paper tracker with blue stars and in MVM within the details of the respective milestones. Upon reaching each community, email a photo from a recent walk or hike to [email protected]. Please include your name, what community you are checking in at, and how many miles you have walked since May 1.
If you are using My Virtual Mission, you can also check in online by using the link provided when you reach the designated community. Pro tip: turn notifications on in the app!
Submitting Trackers
Paper Mileage Trackers are due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3. You can submit it in one of two ways:
- Upload a copy through the online form
- Email a copy to [email protected]
- Drop it off at the Wrangell Parks & Recreation front desk
All participants who submit their tracker, regardless of how many miles you walk, will receive a Walk Southeast sticker.
More Information
- Wrangell Parks & Recreation
- 320 Church St.
- 907-874-2444
- [email protected]
Registration
Peterburg residents register online HERE. Registration is open April 15 to May 6.
Mileage Trackers
- A fillable/printable PDF Mileage Tracker will be emailed to all registered participants by the end of April or at the time of registration, if later. You can also pick up your paper Mileage Tracker in-person at Ketchikan Rec Center/Gateway Aquatic Center or Ketchikan Wellness Coalition
- If you are using the My Virtual Mission app to track your mileage, instructions and the link to join the challenge information will be emailed to you after registering
Submitting Bonus Photos
You can earn a bonus ticket for the ‘local’ drawing by checking in at three communities along the way. These are noted on the paper tracker with blue stars and in MVM in the details of the respective milestones. Upon reaching these communities, email a photo from a recent walk or hike to [email protected]. Please include your name, what community you are checking in at, and how many miles you have walked since May 1.
Submitting Trackers
Paper Mileage Trackers are due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3. You can submit it in one of two ways:
- Upload a copy through the online form
- Email a copy to [email protected]
- Drop it off at Ketchikan Rec Center/Gateway Aquatic Center or Ketchikan Wellness Coalition
All participants who submit their tracker, regardless of how many miles you walk, will receive a Walk Southeast sticker.
More Information
- Ketchikan Wellness Coalition
- 602 Dock St, suite 108
- 907-225-9355
- [email protected]
Thanks you KTN Sponsors!
      
Registration
Peterburg residents register online HERE. Registration is open April 15 to May 6.
Mileage Trackers
- A fillable/printable PDF Mileage Tracker will be sent to all registered participants by the end of April or at the time of registration
- OR pick up a Mileage Tracker in person at Sitka Parks & Recreation
My Virtual Mission App
You can track the miles you walk, run, or hike through the My Virtual Mission app as an alternative to the paper tracker. Miles can be added manually or by connecting Runkeeper, Garmin, or Apple (to use Apple, you must have a wearable device).
To use MVM, choose this method at the time of registration and instructions for joining the mission will be emailed to you. A paper tracker is no longer needed which means there is nothing to submit at the end of the summer. Your mileage will automatically be reported to admin.
Note: You are still a #teamsitka member, however, the app is being managed by Juneau Parks & Recreation and you will be following the Juneau to Ketchikan route on the virtual trek.
Submitting Bonus Photos
You can earn a bonus ticket for the ‘local’ drawing by checking in at three communities along the way. These are noted on the paper tracker with blue stars and in MVM within the details of the respective milestones. Upon reaching each community, email a photo from a recent walk or hike to [email protected]. Please include your name, what community you are checking in at, and how many miles you have walked since May 1.
If you are using My Virtual Mission, you can also check in online by using the link provided when you reach the designated community. Pro tip: turn notifications on in the app!
Submitting Trackers
Paper Mileage Trackers are due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3. You can submit it in one of the following ways:
- Upload a copy through the online form
- Email a copy to [email protected]
- Drop it off at the Sitka Parks & Recreation Office
All participants who submit their tracker, regardless of how many miles you walk, will receive a Walk Southeast sticker.
More Information
- City of Sitka Parks & Recreation
- 601 Halibut Point Road
- 907-747-4031
- [email protected]
Thanks you STK Sponsors!
  
  
   
    
Other Communities
Walk Southeast is open to all Southeast Alaska residents. If you live somewhere other than Juneau, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, or Sitka you will be registering through Juneau Parks & Recreation.
Registration
Register online HERE. Look under the ‘Special Events’ tab and choose ‘Other Southeast Alaska Resident’. If your community is not listed, choose ‘Other’. Registration closes at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 6.
Mileage Tackers
A printable/fillable PDF Mileage Tracker from your closest community (JNU, PSG, KTN, SIT or WRG) will be emailed to registered participants by the end of April (or at the time of registration, if later). Print or download the tracker and mark off the miles you walk, run or hike between May 1 – September 1. You can check the boxes, fill out the log, or both.
Submitting Trackers
Paper Mileage Trackers are due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3. You can submit it in one of two ways:
- Upload a copy through the online form
- Email it to [email protected]
Questions?
Contact Lauren Verrelli or Dawn Welch if you need any assistance getting registered or have questions about Walk Southeast.
Photo Gallery
Photos will be posted here when participants start checking in on their virtual trek. Want to see your picture here? Submit a photo when you reach the designated communities along the route or email your favorites for us to share.
Community Champions
Juneau won by default in 2020! The community challenge did not exist in that first year of Walk Southeast. After a first successful year, however, the idea was born to invite neighboring communities, and Petersburg and Wrangell accepted the challenge. Ketchikan was next to join in 2022 and then Sitka in 2024.
2021 Community Champions
Team Petersburg
235 miles/participant
2022 Community Champions
Team Juneau
242 miles/participant
Rorie Watt, City Manager for CBJ, accepted the new Walk Southeast trophy commissioned by Alaska Airlines.
2023 Community Champions
Team Wrangell
252 miles/participant
The Walk Southeast trophy was accepted by Wrangell Mayor, Patricia Gilbert.
