Runners hit trail for Thursday Night Run

PALMER — More than 70 people of all ages from across the Valley competed in Active Soles’ final Thursday Night Run of the fall season Oct. 11.

It was part of he running series at the Fox Run RV Park, and includes a variety of classes that lead participants through the Long Lake Loop trail systems. Runners had the option 1-, 4- and 10-mile distances.

“We want them to be safe and comfortable,” Active Soles owner Anne Thomas said.

Third-grader, Ren Paulick was first in the 1-mile race.

“Keep your pace,” Paulick said. “If you’re jogging, keep jogging. Just keep going.”

Paulick said that she started actively running in kindergarten. Beads of sweat still dripping onto her pink Happy Run shirt, she stood at the finish line next to her mother, Katherine.

“This is so much fun,” Katherine said.

Katherine said it marked Ren’s 20th race with Active Soles.

Katherine has been an active member of the running community for about 15 years now. Her first race was a relay in Juneau, going 10 miles before passing on the baton to her teammate. She said after that, she was “hooked.” Katherine said that getting a “runners high” is a real thing, most feeling sensations of euphoria. She said that is just a perk of keeping at it out here on a run.

“That just helps get you through the pain,” she said.

Katherine has many reasons to keep coming back for more, especially now that she has a growing family. She said that her daughter ran over 100 miles this year, thanks to all those runs with her school and races like these throughout the community.

Her 4-year-old son, Leif, ran alongside his father, Adam. She said that this was Leif’s first official race, entering into the family’s yearlong set of athletic traditions. Like many other families present at the Fall Night Run, the Paulick family runs the year-round. Katherine said that regular family runs and participating in races like this, “keeps you going through the winter.”

“It’s the whole family, kids, and dogs, and strollers. The whole nine yards,” she laughed.

Eighth-grader, Zac Cheyette took first in the 4-mile race. He said that this was his first official run since his school’s cross-country season ended about three weeks ago.

“It was nice. It was a good day. I thought it might rain,” Cheyette said, looking up at the gray clouds.

Cheyette said that he ran into several kids and parents he’s known through the years, most of them from the running community.

“A lot of them I know out here are from local runs,” he said.

Cheyette started running competitively in the fourth grade. To him, the decision was simple.

“I stared running and I realized I was pretty fast, so I got into it,” he said.

Tim Evans won first place for the 8-mile race. He said that he, “just happened to be here,” four weeks ago while checking out the nearby lakes and saw waves of people running. Once he found out what was going on, he competed in the following three races. He commented on the turnout on the brisk autumn evening. He said that having your time being recorded, an official finish line to look forward to, and being surrounded by like-minded people helps people stay active during in spite of the weather.

“It gets people motivated,” he said. “You always push yourself harder when other people are pushing themselves.”

He is only visiting Alaska from his home back in Tucson, Arizona. He raced alongside of the Valley’s regulars. The race took place exactly one week before Alaska Day, the official holiday recognizing the U.S. purchase from Russia.

“Everybody in Alaska is super tough,” he said.

Active Sole hosts “Happy Runs” every Monday at 6 p.m. throughout the year. These group runs are completely free, starting at their shop and finishing at Palmer Ale House. All of the Fall Night Run winners will receive their awards at the ale house after the Happy Run at 7 p.m.

For more information about Active Soles or their various events and activities, call 907-746-0600.

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