Artist Statement
Rhonda Shelford Jansen, Unangax̂
Enrolled member of Ninilchik Tribe
The women in this circular design symbolize the united cultures of Alaska and the many practices that link us together. It represents the cycles and seasons of life, healing and growth, and helps us to reflect on those practices that keep us healthy and resilient.
The Loopty Loo Course
The traditional course around the Hiland facility is still off-limits and yet the return to an in-person race must be just as unusual. Hence, our presentation of the first in-person race in three years, the Running Free Loopty-Loo!
The track at Hiland, where the runners hold practice and will race this year, is 377 meters long. We found an exact replica in the field at Alaska Pacific University. Runners, both our Hiland runners and our community runners, will have a choice of 20 minutes, 40 minutes, or 60 minutes of time in which to run as far as possible. If you are a virtual runner, you can join us by running anywhere and accumulating as much distance as you can in 20/40/60 minutes.
Can you run as fast as Gina? Choose the 20-minute course to be eligible for the Run Like Gina Award. Can you run as far as Sarah? Choose the 60-minute course to be eligible for the Run Like Sarah Award. If you think you can run as fast as Gina and as far as Sarah, choose the 40-minute course to be eligible for both awards.
Only virtual runners are eligible for the Don’t Run so Close to Me award. All runners are eligible for the R-Naught award.