Sport Yukon’s annual fundraiser celebrates its 35th year

Road construction on two legs of the Klondike Road Relay won’t be an issue for runners as they pass through Friday and Saturday.

The William Moore Bridge project coming out of Skagway is back to two-lane traffic and pavement, said race coordinator Sandra Soares.

And runners will be the first members of the public to see the new highway being blasted near the Carcross Cutoff on the Alaska Highway.

They’ll be directed through the cut zone, said Soares.

Other than the road construction, not much has changed for the 35th edition of the Klondike Road Relay.

However, there will be even more of a party atmosphere at the finish line at Rotary Peace Park with the addition of a beer garden and food tents.

Race participation is down slightly from last year’s record high with 184 teams registered.

Of those, 164 will start in Skagway Friday night for the full 10-leg run, while 10 youth teams, nine walking teams and one ultra runner will begin in Carcross early Saturday morning.

Always too busy to participate in the race herself, Soares asked participants on Facebook why they like the race.

“I love the KRR because it always offers a great story when you finish your leg,” wrote one person.

“I love the Klondike because of my team,” wrote another. “We started out mostly strangers and after one sleep deprived weekend we’re friends.”

About 250 volunteers are ready to take part.

“They’re all eager,” said Soares.

Rosco Wustewald of Onward, Etc. is scheduled to open for Soul Migration at Saturday night’s dance.

“They played last year and they were a hit so we’re bringing them back,” said Soares of the main act.

The race starts at 7 p.m. Yukon time in Skagway and waves of 15-25 teams will begin every 15 minutes until 9 p.m.

The finish line will open at 10 a.m. Saturday with the first runners expected to cross around 10:30 a.m. The bulk of the finishers are expected closer to noon.

The Klondike Road Relay is Sport Yukon’s annual fundraiser.