Medvejie Solstice Run
Dear Editor: Sitka’s running and walking enthusiasts enjoyed the 18th annual Medvejie Solstice Run this past weekend, on Saturday, June 22. These active folks once again supported Sitka High’s amazing state champion running programs! We have a long list of generous Sitkans to thank – many are long-time supporters, while others are newly appreciated.
For race preparation, City and Borough of Sitka staff (legal and electric departments in particular), Sitka’s PD, FD, and SAR, as well as SSD/Sitka High staff (especially Kate Puckett, AD Rich Krupa, Coaches Smith and Strong) were crucial. Rainforest Services/Bob Reid provided critical facilities (you runners know what we mean!). We also appreciated the sponsor support provided by: F/V Patriot, F/V Lucy O, and Neurobehavioral Consultants.
A hearty Gunalchéesh and Háw’aa to Charlie Skultka for providing our first local artist design for our coveted T-shirts! Also big thanks to the Sentinel, KCAW, and KIFW for helping get the word out, as they do for so many local events.
On race-day we relied on the dedicated help of so many: Christine Horan, Bridget Hitchcock, Patty MacPike, Jasmine Wolfe, Carolyn MacIntyre, Robin and Angela Bahna, Elizabeth Bagley, Jessi Bustamente, Frederique Charbonneau, Nicki Moore and her dad, and anyone we missed! Our cracker-jack timing staff included Clare Mullin, Randy Hitchcock and Kevin Knox. Also invaluable were: athletic trainer extraordinaire Carolyn Black, dedicated bike sweeper Terry Lovett, and Sitka SAR’s SJ Downey. Their hard work and smiling faces were invaluable!
Finally, thank you and congratulations to the energetic 81 runners and walkers who joined us at Herring Cove on Saturday. Your enthusiasm inspires us to start thinking about plans for next year, which will include new race directors working with KK! And thank you to the exceptional student-athletes and coaches at Sitka High who we’re so happy to support as they represent our community. High school sports participation teaches dedication, cooperation, respect, accountability, community involvement and the importance of physical & mental health, which ultimately benefits all of us!
With great appreciation,
Medvejie Solstice Run Co-directors
Erika Knox, Jennifer McNichol,
and KK Prussian
