Sign up for one of Alaska's most grueling races

The Seward Chamber of Commerce, Conference and Visitors Bureau announces that applications for the 84th Annual Mount Marathon Race are currently being accepted. (For more about the race, check out "Mt. Marathon: Why I run this trail race year after year") Runners hoping to race in 2011 must submit their completed application by midnight on March 31, 2011. Applications can be completed online at www.seward.com. Application fees are $45 for adults and $25 for junior runners. Veterans and 2010 finishers have priority, with the remaining slots filled through a lottery system. Lottery results will be announced in mid-April. The Mount Marathon Race, as folklore tells it, began as a casual bet between two sourdoughs. The race became an organized event in 1915 and has grown in popularity since, becoming one of the most well loved aspects of the July 4th Celebration in Seward. The Mount Marathon Race consists of a grueling 3,022 foot climb over rocks, roots, cliffs and waterfalls. Runners experience a spectacular view over Resurrection Bay, but only briefly, before hitting the turn around point and racing down to the crowd packed Fourth Avenue and that magical finish line! For more information, refer to www.seward.com or contact the Seward Chamber of Commerce at 907-224-8051; PO Box 749, Seward, Alaska, 99664.