Sixty-five runners take off Saturday morning, embarking on the Alaska Day 5K and Half-Marathon organized by Wrangell's Southeast Beasts. Demonstrating resilience despite all weather, the group also raises money to support charitable organizations. This race raised $2,000 for the local hospital's cancer care fund.
There was a good turnout for the Southeast Beasts' first-ever Alaska Day five-kilometer fun run and half-marathon Saturday morning, with around 65 participants.
It was an almost perfect Alaska morning, with swiftly drifting clouds a creamy hue, a pair of ravens chasing after each other overhead, and not a drop of rain to be seen. Runners lining up at the starting line shuddered slightly as they were reminded of the season by a hearty gust.
They seemed relieved when the air-horn finally sounded, cueing them to proceed.
"We were going to try to have a shotgun start this morning, but we couldn't find any shotgun blanks," admitted Lucy Robinson, who helped organize the event. She said she'll making it her mission to acquire some before next year's run.
The Southeast Beasts group is comprised of local runners, joggers and walkers who get together during the year to enjoy the outdoors and raise some money for a worthy cause in the process.
Proceeds from the Alaska Day run went to Wrangell Medical Center Foundation's Cancer Care Fund, which helps those diagnosed with cancer pay for travel and lodging expenses while undergoing treatment.
Next year, the fund will also present a new scholarship for higher-education students interested in pursuing careers in the fields of health or medicine.
Entry fees were $30 for half-marathon runners and $15 for the 5K. At the last count about $2,000 were raised for the fund.
The half-marathon route, which starts and ends at the Nolan Center, was devised by local runner George Benson for Alaska Bearfest this summer.
There were two aid stations along the way, manned by volunteers.
Robinson explained the Alaska Day run was made possible by Frank Warfel Jr., owner of the F/V Pacific Sea. Warfel provided the funds to pay for the signs, awards, snacks, shirts and everything else the group needed to make it happen.
"He loves this community. He loves Alaska," she said. "He wants to do this every year."
Volunteers put everything else together-Jared Gross provided salmon for the buffet and the family of Angie Eldred created the banner. Donated shrimp and crab pots were arranged to demarcate an authentic Alaskan starting point.
Afterward, participants, friends and family met at the Stikine Inn, where the management allowed them use of the restaurant area to listen to The Great Alaska Bluegrass Band, distribute door prizes and awards and just have a good time.
"This event today was awesome," Robinson said. "We
can say enough about how much we appreciate Wrangell coming out."
The Beasts' next run will be the Turkey Trot 5K, which is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day.
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