Annual Trail of Remembrance race gearing up

April 24, 2007

By Will Elliott

Frontiersman

Valley walkers, runners and bikers have plenty of options for staging summer runs and races, from high school tracks to local trail systems. On May 12, MidValley High School students and staff are offering a different kind of race course - one of remembrance.

Now in its fourth year, the MidValley High School Trail of Remembrance 5K Walk, Run and Bike sends racers along a course marked not by miles, but mementos commemorating those whom racers have lost or left behind.

At registration, participants will list the name of someone they wish to be memorialized along the course. These names will be transferred to paper plates and picketed along five kilometers between the race start in Big Lake and finish line at MidValley High.

&#8220It's a way to honor someone, whether a family member, or

a friend serving in the military,” said Valerie Goodwin, race organizer and MidValley

secretary.

MidValley High is an alternative high school of around 200 students at Mile 49 of the Parks Highway across from Pittman Road. Proceeds from the race are split between MidValley and local veterans' groups.

The race started out as a senior project, Goodwin said, and the student chose the veterans to have it benefit a good cause. AMVETS, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars have all benefited from race proceeds. MidValley's share funds student events like athletic trips, conferences and prom.

Participants can register at local businesses or at MidValley High until Friday. The $15 fee covers a T-shirt and memorial sign. Additional signs are available for $8.

MidValley students will also hold a benefit steak dinner Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wasilla VFW, on East Lake View Avenue. Along with a gift auction to help fund the race, the dinner will feature live music from local band The Caine-Hackman Theory.

Goodwin said the event will be a leisurely affair for most people, although it will be timed.

&#8220The students work to organize the race, and community and family members come out to participate,” she said.

Top finishers in each category will be awarded medals.

Late registration will be held May 12 at the starting line near the Big Lake Napa store, from 8:30 a.m. until the race begins at 9:45. For more information, contact MidValley High at 373-1600.

Contact Will Elliott at 352-2252.