Alaska Day run raises $1,300 for cancer care

In bear garb with a megaphone, Southeast Beasts director Lucy Robinson gives directions to the assembled runners at the Alaska Day 5K and Half-Marathon starting line. Over 76 participants and more than a dozen volunteers shrugged off Saturday morning's chilly rain to celebrate Alaskan statehood and raise $1,300 for the hospital's cancer care fund. First held last year, the running group intends to make the event a continuing tradition. As with last year's, costs of the run were covered by Frank Warfel Jr. and the F/V Pacific Sea. Robinson explained this year's event received additional support from a number of other community members and businesses, contributing door prizes, refreshments and even the awards. Parks and Rec, AICS, the hospital, various family members and friends also set up aid stations and cheered on the morning's runners, some of whom had come from neighboring Petersburg and Ketchikan to participate. Afterward, people headed over to the Stikine Inn for its restaurant's last day of the season, where they were treated to a live performance by visiting band the Golden Idols.