Runners race to Seward in a 187-mile relay

For drivers traveling through Anchorage or on the Seward Highway this weekend, please take special care in watching out for the local wildlife: in this case, runners.

The second annual Alaska Relay begins at 8:30 a.m. Friday at Mirror Lake and ends sometime the next afternoon in Seward at the Branson Waterfront Pavilion.

The 187-mile stretch is split into 36 legs and divided between teams of 12 people who each run 3 times with a total of 15 to 20 miles per person. This year 13 teams of 12 and one team of six will be running the race.

The winners of last year’s relay did the trip in 23 hours and 19 minutes, but many teams can take up to 30 hours to complete the race.

For racers looking for more of a challenge than the Alaska Relay already is, there is the option of signing up with 4 to 6 members as an Ultra team, which allows each person to run twice the amount.

“The teams will be broken into two groups of six, so that one van of six is able to follow and support the active runner, while the other van is off duty eating, sleeping, and getting to the next van exchange point. Except for the Ultra Team. They get to just keep running all through the night,” said Dave Luke, marketing director for the race.

The 6-Pak option allows people to submit six runners who are then paired with another group to form a full team.

During the few hours of darkness, race members are required to wear reflective gear, headlamps and red flashers. Racers are also encouraged to participate in a creative lighting contest in which they make themselves glow as much as possible by using various lighting techniques.

Some new elements and events incorporated into this year’s race are a slightly more scenic route along the Coastal Trail in Anchorage, a “Halfway There/Lite Up The Twilight” Celebration in Portage, a Runner’s Breakfast in Moose Pass, and a Finish Line/Beer Garden Celebration on the shore of Resurrection Bay.

Volunteers will be assisting with race exchanges along the highway. This year, the Nikiski High School boys basketball team will be present as the race’s first charity volunteer group. The team will monitor four relay exchanges along the highway, and in return the Alaska Relay will make a $500 contribution toward their program.

Sponsors of the race - The Alaska Club, Skinny Raven Sports, Bleeding Heart Brewery, and The Alaska Sea Life Center - will also be proving “swag” and gifts to all race participants.

Registration for the race closed June 8, but for those interested in competing next year, prices range from $750 for a 6-Pak team to $1500 for a full team.