The biggest and the best

Hearing Mike Janecek’s voice over the loudspeaker is music to the running fan’s ears.

Especially when you’re at the biggest and best meet in the state.

Saturday, as hundreds of spectators watched more than 1,000 athletes in eight different races funnel through the trees near Palmer High School’s Machetanz Field, Janecek, with mic in hand, provided all with play-by-play of the Palmer Invitational. As he consistantly updated spectators throughout each race, Janecek, the former longtime Palmer High School activities director and running coach, rattled through names of runners with such enthusiasm, it was as if he knew each personally. He shared anecdotes from the past, dropping knowledge from his decades of work with the sport in Alaska.

Those who know Valley sports know his voice, whether it’s from his public address work with football, basketball, wrestling, cross-country running or track and field.

But Saturday was different.

Saturday was special.

Saturday, fans saw the biggest cross-country running meet anyone in Alaska has ever seen.

The total count of athletes registered for the meet stood at 1,007, and there were nearly 50 teams represented.

It’s fitting the biggest meet was hosted on a set of trails named for Mike Janecek.

“He’s the greatest announcer ever,” Palmer cross-country head coach John Bishop said of Janecek.

Janecek, who helped carve the running trail out of the forest adjacent to Palmer High School, was a highlight of a record day for PHS and its annual invitational.

Always billed as a premiere race on the high school calendar, the Palmer Invite exceeded any expectation for an Alaska cross-country running event. With the talent, the number of athletes and the fast and fan-friendly course, it is almost like it sets up the state meet to be sort of a disappointment.

Yes, state championships are crowned, and the state meet is where every runner is supposed to give it their best. But in recent years, I’ve looked forward to covering the Palmer Invite more than the state meet. I think most of it has to do with the venue. Bartlett High School is the current home of the ASAA state meet. It’s a demanding course that features inclines and declines that make races interesting. But from a fan’s perspective, its not the best place to enjoy watching the race. Essentially, it’s just one big loop, which for most race fans, it leaves only about a single photo opportunity to capture their favorite runner.

But at Palmer High, the Michael Janecek Trails give fans ample opportunity to see the runners, and the final stretch leads runners into the state-of-the-art sports complex at Machetanz Field. Plus, the parking at Bartlett High, frankly, sucks.

And the people make the Palmer Invite great.

Janecek is one of 30 or 40 volunteers, Bishop said.

“It’s the most fun I have all year,” Bishop said.

And it’ll be the most fun running fans will have all year.

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