KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Deadline to register nearly here for Saturday’s race.
What started as a local fund-raiser for KMXT has become a Kodiak fall tradition.
Kodiak runners of all ages and skill levels—as well as their personal cheering squads—are putting finishing touches on their strategy in preparation for Saturday’s Run the Rock.
Race organizer, and KMXT Development Director, Pam Foreman.
“Part of the fun of Run the Rock is there are four different races that you can choose from. So you can run a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon or a marathon. So if you are a family that enjoys outdoor activities there’s something there for everybody in the family, even the one who just wants to be the one cheering people on.
The race has become a tradition for families and friends who get together and run as a group on the different races, or they might run their own individual race and get back together for the barbeque at the golf course after the race.”
In years past participants have ranged the gamut from babies in strollers in the short events to professional off-island racers running the marathon. While it is a fun event, there’s actually a serious side to Run the Rock. The 10K, half marathon, and full marathon courses were certified by USA Track and Field in 2013.
In the racing world, in order for runners to record a record run, or to use a race to qualify for a bigger race, a race such as Run the Rock has to be certified. Thus there is an incentive for serious racers to come to Kodiak for the scenic run.
Foreman said the idea to certify Run the Rock came as the event garnered more interest outside of Kodiak, and was based on input from off-island marathoners.
“So it’s an official certified race for the marathon, the half marathon and the 10K. And that requires very specific measurements. We would not have been able to accomplish that without the help of Eric Engvall who helped us measure those courses. It required him riding his bicycle with a special clicker on the bike to actually measure the miles and the kilometers of the course.”
While most of the races stay on or near the Anton Larsen Bay Road, the marathon needed to start in town and to go farther afield in order to get the miles in.
“So the marathon starts on Near Island at 8 a.m. Goes through town, crosses the bridge and goes through town. Out to Tom Stiles Road. Turns into Nimitz Housing. Goes along Tom Stiles Road and then takes a right onto Anton Larsen Bay Road. From there, they go all the way to the end of the road. They turn around and come back to the golf course. All of the races finish at the golf course.”
Saturday’s Run the Rock race is a fund-raiser for KMXT.
To register or to get more information on Saturday’s races, go to KMXT’s website and click on the big blue button on the home page and at right of this story.
