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by Bonnie Kenyon

McCarthy: – The 4th annual half marathon on behalf of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) gathered at the starting point – Glacier View Campground at mile 59 McCarthy Road. The date for this year’s race was Saturday, September 3rd and the race organizer was Dan Myers.

Dan has been the local organizer since the race’s conception in 2002. At that time Dan shared his dream, “I hope this will become an annual event.” And, to date, Dan’s dream is coming true.

The ADA has a dream, too, and the bottom line is still “Cure, Care and Commitment.” Phoebe O’Connell, District Director of ADA for Alaska, was on hand again this year to provide encouragement and assistance in getting the approximately 56 participants signed up properly. The registered racers have increased yearly. In 2002 the roster showed 26; in 2004, 40. The event is growing each year and Dan’s dream is being fueled with more and more participation from those who really care to raise awareness and promote a healthy lifestyle for those who are diagnosed with diabetes.

The oldest participant this year was 71 year old Eleanor Claus of Ultima Thule. Eleanor’s granddaughter, Ellie, was on hand to support her favorite runner. Eleanor is not a newcomer to running marathons, although this was her first to run in the McCarthy Kennicott Half Marathon. Since she started running 45 years ago, she has successfully participated in a total of 24 marathons. She has traveled to places like Chicago and Boston to run and in June of this year she ran the Mayors Marathon in Anchorage.

Each person who registered for the local race paid a $30 entrance fee and received the annual T-shirt depicting this year’s race. Diane Thorn of Kennicott was on hand to assist Phoebe in making sure everyone was properly checked in. At 2:10 pm the race began its 13-mile upward climb to Kennicott via the Wagon Road and back down the main road to end in downtown McCarthy.

The first place winner this year was Paul Hanis, a guide with Kennicott Wilderness Guides, whose finish time was 1 hr. 23 minutes and 8 seconds. Paul took third place in last year’s race. Second place winner was Julian Hanna of Lake Tahoe, CA. His finish time was 1 hr. 23 minutes 17 seconds. This was Julian’s first time to run a half-marathon and first season to work as a guide for St. Elias Alpine Guides of McCarthy. Julian takes getting the message out by means such as this particular race very personal. His mom has diabetes – finding a cure, caring and being committed to do something about it is a major concern for Julian. Running with fellow guide, Paul, was a highlight for him. “This was a very exciting race,” said Julian.

As Phoebe put it during our first marathon, “Events such as the McCarthy Kennicott Half-Marathon not only raise money for research – 20 cents of every dollar – but they provide a network of education for health aides in the bush and produce summer camp programs for children. Every six months new information, new medications and insulin become available.”

Perhaps you are interested in being involved in a marathon or helping put one together. According to ADA’s website, Team Diabetes is a fund-raising and training program of the American Diabetes Association. It is designed for individuals who desire to walk or run a full or half marathon. You can participate in a marathon that takes place in a desirable location while raising funds for the American Diabetes Association. Your fund raising can help find a cure for diabetes and improve the lives of all people with diabetes. The program is open to runners and walkers of all abilities. Training will be tailored to meet your ability level.

Join ADA for the Reggae Marathon and Half – Marathon in Negril, Jamaica, on December 3, 2005.

Contact Phoebe O’Connell at 272-1424 or 1-888-342-2383 or poconnel@diabetes.org or Coach Britta Maas at runningbuff@yahoo.com.

For other information or to make a donation, please contact: American Diabetes Association, 801 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 103, Anchorage, AK. 99503.