They Do What!!???

Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Known as the 'Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park' Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Visitors can easily reach us via the Seward Highway Scenic Byway, the Alaska Railroad, or by bus, air, or cruise ship.

At 3,022 feet, towering Mt. Marathon provides a breathtaking backdrop for the town. Behind Mt. Marathon and extending down the coast lies the Harding Ice field, measuring 35 by 20 miles.

               

Flowing from the Harding Ice field are many glaciers, eight of which are tidewater glaciers, calving icebergs into the sea, reaching the coastline between Seward and Homer. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

The tradition of the Mount Marathon Race, according to folklore, began when two sourdoughs had an argument about whether it was possible to climb and descend the mountain in less than one hour. "Impossible" one said, and to settle the argument and the resulting wager it was decided to hold a race with the loser to furnish drinks for the crowd. At the same time, enterprising merchants put up a suit of clothes and other attractions for the winner and proposed the race take place on a holiday - why not the 4th of July? The optimistic sourdough lost his bet. The winning racer took one hour and two minutes.

Official records disclose that the Mount Marathon Race actually began as an organized run in 1915 and has since become a regular part of the Independence Day celebration in Seward. Over the years, this home town historic event has drawn increased participation and resulted in new milestones. 54 women finished the first-ever women's race in 1985, juniors began logging their age-group records in 1994, and 2005 heralded the beginning of the "staggered start" for the senior races.

This year will prove to be even greater – we’re here! The trail is ridiculous - as the following signs indicate. These signs are displayed at the trailhead for the Marathon.

That’s a coming event! More after it happens!!  What are the Lounge Lizard Caravan's plans for tomorrow?  Right now, it's anybody's guess.



From the MABarry – over and out.