Thanks for supporting Tanaina Kids Marathon

To the editor:

Run a marathon? 26.2 miles? That’s child’s play if you’re a Tanaina Timberwolf!

After logging 25 miles on their own, 265 students, teachers and parents finished the last 1.2 miles under the Skinny Raven arch at Tanaina’s annual Field Day. Marathoners (from kindergarteners on up to grandmas) were grinning ear to ear as they completed their six-week mission. But marathoners need a good support system, and we had plenty of support in making the Tanaina Kids Marathon a huge success.

On behalf of Terry LaCoss, Tanaina P.E. teacher, and myself, I’d like to send out thanks to: Mat-Su Health Foundation for its generous grant to make the TKM possible; Seth Stetson at Skinny Raven Sports for the terrific T-shirt design, the huge finish arch, not to mention the expertise and patience; Tod Richards at Silvertip Design for the unique TKM medals; Laura at House of Bread for 250 cinnamon rolls at the finish line; Stan at Carrs for the fresh finish line fruit; Gabe Rein and Sandy Weihs from Country Legends for finish line announcements and rocking tunes; West Lake Firefighters for traffic control and high-fives for everyone; Woods Miller, Chancie Hanson, Joen Troxel, Gretchen Good and Tracy Glatz for finish chute guidance, medal awards and some fine Scott Daugharty brand of hand-shaking; Robert DeBerry from the Frontiersman for the action photos; and Jeremiah Bartz for giving the TKM some ink and making us feel like marathoners!

For more pictures and inspiration, check out our Facebook page — Tanaina Kids Marathon!

Diane Firmani

Tanaina Elementary School Librarian/Title I