Thank you to everyone who helped make Haines’ second annual winter alpine adventure race a roaring success!
First, big thanks to the 44 athletes from here and far for participating in this fledgling event. You are awesome and we look forward to seeing you out there again!
The Southeast Alaska State Fair and Haines Borough provided an array of indispensable support for Kat to Koot. Ray Reeves and Graham Kraft enabled the race to go on despite whiteout conditions by flagging the alpine portion of the route. Safety officers Jason Eson and Matt Jemin made sure everyone was prepared for the race and accounted for en route. Beth Fenhaus, Jess Kayser Forster, Sylvia and Chad Bieberich made race day logistics seamless, and Lizi and Tracy Wirak secured valuable sponsorships. Thank you all for your hard work.
A fabulous lineup of sponsors sweetened the pot for the racers. Alaska Seaplanes, Lutak Lumber and Fairweather Ski Works in particular deserve a big shout out for their “double black diamond” sponsorships. The Haines Brewing Company, Lee Roberts, Haines Packing Company, Coast Mountain sports, Alaskan Brewing, Foggy Mountain Shop and Mountain Market also gave a major boost. Klondike Chiropractic, Port Chilkoot Distillery, Sockeye Cycle, Sarah J’s and Body IQ enabled everyone to earn a prize. These businesses make our community stronger and healthier.
Finally, thank you to anyone who demonstrated quality Haines hospitality to our visiting athletes.
And hail to the mountain gods who allowed safe passage through your fearful and magnificent realm. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Lindsay Johnson
Kat to Koot race organizer
On behalf of Haines Alpine Touring Society