Call her crazy.
Kelly Hostetler is going to run the 360-mile Golden Circle route between Skagway and Haines in 12 days. Again.
She invites the community to join her Sept. 1 through 12.
“Last year, Melina (Shields) and I raised over $9,000 in pledges for Hospice during the Golden Circle run and I hope to at least match that this year,” Hostetler said. “It was so fun. I’ve been thinking about doing it again all year.”
The run – which Hostetler stressed is not a race – is a fundraiser to raise money and awareness for Hospice of Haines. Hostetler said she hopes individual runners, teams of runners, walkers or bikers will come join her for part of the adventure.
Pledge sheets are located at businesses and public buildings around town. Donations can be made per mile or as a flat rate.
Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to raise pledges for Hospice. Participants should bring food and camping gear, and a support vehicle if necessary.
Hostetler departs Skagway Sept. 1. Shields has other commitments this year and is not able to complete the entire run but will be there for part of it.
“I’m still looking for volunteers who want to provide support for a couple days along the way,” Hostetler said.
Last year, about 20 residents took shifts driving support vehicles, preparing meals and running or biking alongside Hostetler and Shields.
“The company, the camaraderie and the excellent food and beverages made all the difference for us last year,” Hostetler said.
Hostetler will average 30 miles a day. Her tentative schedule is to run from Skagway over the White Pass summit to the Tutshi River the first day. Other waypoints may include Whitehorse, Kusawa Lake, Otter Falls, Haines Junction, Kathleen Lake, Klukshu, Mule Creek Airstrip, Five Mile Creek, and 26 Mile Haines Highway, ending in Haines Sept. 12.
To volunteer or to participate, contact Hostetler at 766-2476 or 766-2536 or Hospice executive director Beth MacCready at 766-3669. For more information, go to www.goldencirclerun.org.