A number of hearty soles scraped and scampered up the mountain Saturday as part of the Yukon Energy Haeckel Hill run organized by Athletics Yukon.

Participants were encouraged to “rise and grind” as this run, one of Athletics Yukon’s most challenging events, is uphill all the way, starting near Icy Waters at the bottom of Haeckel Hill and climbing the service road up to the top.

The route was cut short this year due to snow, so it was only 4.7 kms rather than the usual 6.5. and finished at the meadows rather than the windmill.

Participants seemed to appreciate a bit less climbing.

Scott Williams led the charge up the hill and finished first in a time of 28:37. with Jacqueline Mills hot on his heels and giving him a good chase, especially in the early part of the race. Jacqueline finished at 32:08.

The field was rounded out by a bunch of Haeckel Hill veterans and a couple of first-timers. Fun was had by all. 

Yukon Energy has continued to graciously support and sponsor this annual event.

Their funding helped ensure participants had great goodies at the finish, including cookies from Blackbird Bakery which provided a salve for tired legs and lungs.

The run was started in 1997 by Michael Barton, a former employee of the Energy Solutions Centre, with Yukon Energy’s support. It has happened every year since, save for the 2020 gap year caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Athletics Yukon organizes a number of running events throughout the summer, including weekly Tuesday 5K runs and Thursday trail runs.

Head to  https://athleticsyukon.ca/calendar-of-events/  to learn more.   

Haeckel Hill Run (4.7K) – May 29 –Results

Scott Williams – 28:37, Jacqueline Mills – 32:08, Terry Joss – 34:30, Rick Brown – 35:31, Erica Bourdon 36:23, Christie Harper 37:26, Don White 37:37, Mark Smith 38:22, Isabel Ness 38:51, Tom Ullyett (walking) – 39:20, Ben Harper – 40:11, Tammy Kingston 41:02, Annie-Claude Letendre – 42:00, John Storms (walking) – 42:49, Donna Jones – 47:05, Cheryl Klippert – 48:20, Robin Sharples 48:58, Bonnie Love (walking) - 51:21.

By BEN YU SCHOTT
Race Director
Athletics Yukon