The annual Takshanuk Ridge Run was born about five years ago when residents Jordan Baumgartner and Adam McMahon were chatting about long-distance mountain runs held in bigger cities and wondering why one shouldn’t be held in Haines.
Also, “running on pavement is boring and it hurts your knees,” Baumgartner explained this week.
The fourth running of the 11.5-mile race Baumgartner describes as a long climb followed by a downhill gallop starts at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Mount Ripinsky’s 7 Mile trailhead, climbs to an elevation of 3,920 feet, then returns to town via the Skyline Estates trailhead.
Hikers and walkers are welcome to participate and buddying up is encouraged. A $40 entry fee benefits the high school cross-country team.
Garrett Montgomery holds the 2:40 course record but women runners are typically on his heels, Baumgartner said. “Garrett usually wins the race, then there’s a bunch of women. It’s not like the top five places are men. Women in this town are fit. They’re tough.”
Sisters Lizi Wirak and Tracy Wirak-Cassidy are perennial contenders, he said.
The endurance event typically draws 15-25 competitors, including visitors from around the region. Finishers will be treated to a beer or root beer at the brewery and a showing of the Banff Mountain Film Festival at the fairgrounds Harriett Hall at 7 p.m.
Registration is open through 7 p.m. Friday at runsignup.com. In the event of severe weather, the race will be rescheduled.