Local group to debut new race series

WASILLA — For years, Valley runners in search of a mid-week fall organized event would have to make the trek to Anchorage for their fun. But that’s not the case anymore.

Thanks to a local organization, Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers, the area is home to a new racing series. The group will debut its Run Mat-Su Thursday Night Run Series Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Crevasse Moraine Trail near Palmer.

“We’re very excited. It’s something we’ve been thinking about for a while,” Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers executive director Nate Nicholls said recently.

The events, which continue through Sept. 24, are patterned after Anchorage’s popular Tuesday Night Race Series. Nicholls said the group’s vision and motivation is two-fold. The group hopes to give Valley residents an organized option between the summer biking and hiking season, and the winter ski season. They also want to showcase Valley trails.

Nicholls said the group also wanted to add a different twist to the available activities for local runners.

“More and more you see people in the Valley gravitate toward stuff like this — doing informal group rides, runs,” Nicholls said. “This is something a little bit different. Trail running.”

Nicholls said it also follows along with part of the group’s mission, advocacy for non-motorized trails.

Following the first event at Crevasse Moraine Trail Thursday, the group will host a second event Sept. 17 at Matanuska Lake Park. The three-event series wraps up Sept. 24 with an event at the Government Peak Recreation Area.

Nicholls said group members are excited to cap the series at the new Government Peak trail.

“We want to finish on our pride and joy,” Nicholls said.

Each event includes 1-kilometer, 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer runs, and the group emphasizes a family-friendly atmosphere, Nicholls said.

Nicholls said the group is starting off small with the inaugural series, hosting three events and capping registration at 200 participants. By starting small, Nicholls said the group hopes to better ensure it hosts quality events, with expansion a goal for the future.

“We want to start small, learn and go from there,” Nicholls said.

The entry fee is $5 for adults, $2 for children or $10 for a family, according to the group’s website, vmbah.org. Nicholls urges those interested to preregister on the group’s website.

Nicholls said Active Soles, Mat-Su Heath Foundation and Healthy Futures played key roles in the effort to launch the series.

For more see, vhbah.org.