Stinky Rats team captain Kristen Strom, 28, came from Bend, Oregon, three years ago. She said the key to the relay was, “The all-fleece matching outfits help, having a stoked team, as many dogs as there are humans…It is just a good relay to get all the friends out, whether they are beginners or advanced runners. It is just super fun and, of course, for the burritos!”
Kenai and Minto and canine — and people — handler Jean Larson-Rein, 26, who moved from Girdwood, Alaska, five years ago.
Each member of the winning team received a bottle of hot sauce from Barnacle Foods, which also donated a jar of kelp pickles for the Red Lantern finishing team, and salsa and hot sauce for the burrito c level contact list bar. Heritage Coffee donated a pop box of coffee for the chilly finishers at the burrito bar as well.
“We were delighted with the turnout this year,” race co-director Heather Parker said. “Thirteen teams braved the chilly conditions and were rewarded with a beautiful course and scenic picnic spot to enjoy burritos at the end. We appreciate the volunteers for helping out and the donations from Heritage and Barnacle Foods.”
The first runner to finish — teams started in one of two waves depending on estimated time — was Justin Sleppy of team Snow Doubt in 2:36:45 for second place overall.
“I haven’t been back home to Juneau in a very long time,” Sleppy, 26, said. “My friend Ricky reached out to me and I thought, ‘Oh, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some Juneau running.’ So yeah, that’s why I’m here today. I’ve always loved running and I will for a very long time…I didn’t see any animals out there, but it was pretty cool getting to be in a race again, having people cheering you know, several groups passing by and cars passing by cheering. That was really fun, really exhilarating. I missed that.”
The team was supported by canines Franklin,
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