Man dies along Glenn on spiritual event

By Michael Rovito

Frontiersman

MAT-SU — An Anchorage man running from Eklutna to Chickaloon as part of the 2008 Peace and Dignity Journey died Thursday while crossing the Palmer Hay Flats alongside the Glenn Highway.

Philip M. Owens, 69, was taking part in the spiritual run when he collapsed suddenly, Alaska State Trooper Joshua Varys said.

Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said Owens died of natural causes.

A Houston police officer and an Anchorage police officer were first on the scene to assist with CPR until an ambulance could arrive. Paramedics worked on Owens for about 20 minutes before determining he could not be saved. A paramedic on the scene said Owens did not have a pulse when they arrived.

About six bystanders at the scene, who were also involved in the event, broke down in tears as officials covered Owen’s body with a sheet. No one was willing to comment on the death.

The run is part of Peace and Dignity Journeys 2008, which are spiritual runs that “embody the prophecy of the eagle and condor,” according to the group’s Web site. The runs take place every four years with indigenous runners taking part. Participants run for six months through hundreds of indigenous communities, the site says.