The first Chilkat Challenge Triathlon will kick off Saturday, July 15 as competitors navigate a 35-mile course on boats, bicycles and foot.

Registration closes at the end of business, Monday, July 10.

Event organizer and clean water advocate Gershon Cohen said he had the idea for the event about a year ago.

“We wanted to create an event that celebrated the river and what it provides for our community because it is literally responsible for the community being here,” Cohen said.

Cohen said he wants the race to be a reminder that the Chilkat River provides the community with food, jobs and culture.

“Very few places in the country and around the world have such a resource that is still intact and productive. It’s important to acknowledge what we have because so many people have taken places like the Chilkat River for granted and lost it,” Cohen said.

He and a steering committee of locals – Sean Maidy, JoAnn Ross Cunningham, Madeline Witek, James Alborough and Scott Ramsey – have worked to organize the event and reached out to other race organizers for advice and expertise.

The race starts at 11 a.m. at Mosquito Lake state campground with an eight-mile canoe and kayak race down the Chilkat River toward town.

Bicyclists will take over at 21 Mile Haines Highway for a 20-mile ride to Jones Point. Runners will finish the race with a seven-mile run to Letnikof Cove.

At press time, Cohen said about 50 people are registered as three-person teams or solo competitors. Racers are coming from Haines, Juneau, Whitehorse, other Southeast communities, Anchorage and South Carolina.

“For a first-time event, I think that’s really positive. Next year I would be very surprised if it wasn’t double that,” Cohen said.

The race is hosted by the nonprofit Alaska Clean Water Advocacy, which raises awareness for protecting the Chilkat River. Big name sponsors include Clif Bar & Company, REI, Audubon Society and Hughesnet. There are more than a dozen local sponsors and others from Anchorage, Juneau and other Southeast communities.

Cohen said the race is still looking for volunteers to man checkpoints at 21 Mile and Jones Point and the finish line. Sign up at chilkatchallengetriathlon.com or contact Sean Maidy.

Cohen said the event could become an economic engine for the community.

“I think everyone is going to have a great time,” Cohen said.

An awards ceremony, picnic and party featuring food, beer and music will be held starting 6 p.m. at the Letnikof Cove pavilion.