Solstice Challenge

Ever celebrated the summer solstice by seeing how far you can run or walk during the extended daylight hours? Now's your chance! Ketchikan Running Club is excited to bring you a new type of race, specifically to celebrate the magic that is summer solstice. Competitors, whether individuals or teams, runners or walkers, will have approximately 17 hours (from sunrise at 400am to sunset at 9pm) to complete as many laps around Ward Lake as possible. You can choose to run or walk, but the challenge is - who can complete the most laps?

Fun fact - 18 laps around Ward Lake = just over 26.2 miles, and sunrise to sunset gives you plenty of time to cover that distance. What a great opportunity to celebrate the sun and finish a marathon...or maybe even further!

Since this is a challenge and not a race, top finishers will be the athletes that complete the most full laps around Ward Lake (starting and finishing from the main beach, going counterclockwise). Only full laps count! Categories include solo male, solo female, team of 2, team of 4, and teams of 5+. The award ceremony will begin at 9pm at the shelter, immediately following the conclusion of the challenge.

Competitors are expected to maintain appropriate trail etiquette and safety as they are out on the trail. Even though it's in our backyard, Ward Lake is a wild area, so be aware and prepared for wild life encounters (we have cowbells available if you'd like a noise maker!). You must check in with the race crew, who will be stationed in a shelter, as you begin and complete each counterclockwise lap. KRC will provide limited amounts of on-course fuel (i.e. fruit, granola bars, etc) and water, as well as a hot grill with hot dogs, buns, and condiments for all registered participants. You are welcome to bring additional food items to throw on the grill. If weather is inclement, KRC will also provide a fire in the shelter.

Expect more information on this as we get closer to the event.