2023 Why Not Tri set for Saturday

WASILLA — The 2023 Why Not Tri fundraising race is set to start at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 10 at Wasilla High School.

"The community comes together. It's great," race director Heather Hogge said.

Funds from Why Not Tri go towards research for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease: a disease that breaks down nerve cells and reduces functionality in muscles. The cause of ALS is still unknown and there is no known cure.

Individuals, two person and three person teams participate in this triathlon each year.

The race starts inside the WHS pool and continues down the surrounding trail system. It totals to a 400 yard swim, 9 mile bike ride and 5K run.

Hogge said they host a beginner's workshop a week prior to the race and they encourage people of all ages to give it a try.

"This is a great beginner triathlon,"

Why Not Tri is hosted by Redline Racing. According to Hogge, it started in 2010 after the race founder Robin Rice lost her brother to ALS. She said the community has continued to rally behind this cause, spreading hope and awareness.

"It's great to see how much it's grown over the years," Hogge said.

According to Hogge, the race was originally designed for adults but it didn't take long to expand and establish a kids race as well.

"I see people now who did it as a kid and now they're bringing their kids,"

I know there are families that look forward to it every year," Hogge said.

Registration closed last Monday but people can still support this cause by participating virtually or donating online or in person. She said they also need more volunteers to help out throughout the event.

"We need lots of volunteers. We can't run a race without volunteers," Hogge said.

For more information, visit trisignup.com/Race/Donate/AK/Wasilla/WhyNotTri

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com