Mountain running veteran shares thoughts on suspension of 2017 Crow Pass Crossing

PALMER — Less than a week after a 16-year-old Anchorage runner was attacked by a black bear and killed while competing in the Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb at Bird Ridge, Christy Marvin was deep in the mountains of Denali State Park working as a volunteer during the Kesugi Ridge Traverse.

The 30-mile trek came a day after the announcement that one of the state’s most popular mountains running events would be suspended in 2017. Marvin, winner of three straight Crow Pass women’s titles, said she is disappointed by he decision made by the University of Alaska Anchorage athletics department, the longtime host of the 24-mile mountain race across Crow Pass from Girdwood to Eagle River.

“I think all of racing community mountain runners are a little disappointed,” Marvin, of Palmer, said by cellphone Tuesday evening. “We didn’t feel like it’s an appropriate reaction.”

UAA officials opted to cancel the 2017 Crow Pass Crossing less than a week after Patrick “Jack” Cooper, of Anchorage, was mauled by a black bear while competing in the junior race at Bird Ridge June 18. Cooper died at the scene.

“I feel for the family. It’s very sad what happened to Jack,” Marvin said.

Marvin suggested a different approach, such as increased education, teaching kids how to handle themselves, and taking an opportunity to honor Cooper’s memory.

“You look at all of the people who drown every year, but we don’t stop them from swimming,” Marvin said.

Marvin quoted fellow mountain runner Matias Saari, race director of the Kesugi Ridge Traverse.

“Like Matias said, it’s good to get back on the horse,” Marvin said.

Marvin said most runners know the potential dangers of mountain running, whether it’s conditions, terrain or wildlife.

“We all assume the risk when we sign up for these races,” Marvin said.

Marvin said those who regularly compete in the various mountain races genuinely enjoy hiking the trails that are home to Alaska’s annual mountain running events.

“It’s fun to go out with other athletes and test our fitness,” Marvin said. “I’m a little disappointed they’d take that away.”

Marvin said in longer races, such as Crow Pass, she does think about the potential of running into a bear on the 24-mile course. But not at shorter races like the Robert Spurr Memorial.

“A race like Bird Ridge, I don’t ever worry about it. There are 400 to 500 people. It’s the last thing I think about having troubles with. But with that being said, accidents do happen. Tragedies do happen,” Marvin said.

Marvin said it’s good to have the conversation with runners about safety concerns. According to reports, Cooper strayed off course prior to the mauling. Marvin has children who compete in junior mountain races. Marvin said she stresses to her own kids, as soon as they are off course, backtrack. Find familiar trail.

According to a press release issued by the university’s athletics department, race organizers are taking the year to examine the race.

“This one-year pause will help ensure we can add the resources necessary to respond swiftly to incidents on the trail,” Friess said in a press release issued by the university, which has hosted the event for three decades. “We have always gone above and beyond to ensure that participating athletes are qualified and that they understand and embrace the risks associated with the race.”

According to the release, race organizers will poll athletes from the mountain running community and wildlife experts to derive ways to enhance safety during the race. Marvin and her husband, Ben, organize the annual Pioneer Ridge Vertical Mile, un uphill-only race slated for July 9 that covers 4 ½ miles of trail and 5,300 feet of vertical gain. Marvin said they are considering using a spot device to track participants in the race. Race officials, and fans, can monitor the progress of the runners, and runners have the ability to alert race officials in an emergency. Marvin said it’s not something currently utilized in Alaska mountain running. But similar systems have been used in great success in sports such as mushing and snowmachine racing. Marvin said a similar system could be used in races such as Crow Pass Crossing.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.