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Running in the Alaskan Wilderness

Editor-in-Chief Jessie Sebor made her way to Alaska to participate in the Klondike Relay!

September 11, 2014 Jessica Sebor

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This — This weekend, I headed north to compete in the Klondike Relay. The relay, which starts in a little town called Skagway, requires a stop over in Juneau. Alaska’s capital city looks a little something like this.

A shakeout pre-race trail run included porcupines at the turnaround. I was thrilled but terrified (porcupines remained unphased)

One — One more for good measure.

Fun — Fun fact: Juneau has no roads in or out. To head to Skagway, we hopped on this guy for a 7-hour ferry ride.

Half — Half of our team, lunching it up. In Alaska, ship cafeterias serve salmon burgers (natch).

Please — Please ignore me and check that water color. Unreal.

This — This pretty much sums it up.

Welcome, — Welcome, to Skagway! Winter population: 500.

A former goldrush town, Skagway used to be home to 200 brothels. Relax. She’s just an actress, guys! The Red Onion is now a museum/restaurant.

19th-century — 18th-century currency. Like Bitcoin (but less stable).

At 6 PM, our first leg, Kristan, was all smiles and ready to run her 8-mile leg.

The — The rest of the team hopped in an RV and blissed out to this view.

Keep — Keep climbing!

See — See you later, Merica. The relay crosses over the Canadian border into the Yukon Territory.

Running — Running and RVing through the night. Can you spot the sleeping teammate?

Sunrise — Sunrise on our way to Whitehorse.

A little rain didn’t slow our eighth leg down.

A tough quiz: Why is this called Emerald Lake?

After — After 175km, our final runner crosses the finish. Go Sarah!

Goodbye, — Goodbye, Skagway. It’s been beautiful.

Our — Our final Alaskan treat: Sea otters to see us off on the ferry home.

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