One of Alaska's oldest races received a makeover for 2016.
Formerly known as the Alaska 10K Classic, the Alaska Distance Classic now features a format that will allow runners to race both a 5K and a 10K if they choose.
It also features a new loop course for the 10K instead of the old point-to-point race format that went from Alaska Pacific University to the Delaney Park Strip.
The 5K begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at APU's Atwood Center, followed by the 10K at 9:45 a.m., so racers doing both events should have plenty of time to do both. The kids 2K begins at 9:50 a.m.
The Alaska Distance Classic might be best known for its 1987 edition, which included Don Clary's historic win in 28 minutes, 35 seconds — a time that still stands as the fastest 10K in Alaska.
So why switch up one of Alaska's oldest and most historic races?
Race director Mark Iverson said there were many reasons for the changes.
In 2014, construction on Chester Creek Trail threw the race into a frenzy to find a new course for that year.
The 10K Classic used a new course for 2014 and 2015, but it included a portion with an out-and-back that had racers crossing paths, Iverson said. The 2016 course eliminates that problem.
The fully looped course also keeps racers in the same location for start and finish.
"(It's) just a little simpler for people not having to shuttle cars (and) figure out rides," Iverson said. "(It's) a more compelling experience being in one place the whole time rather than having a little quick set up at the start and then a finish party where everybody is trying to get back to their cars as quick as possible."
Iverson said the goal is to grow the race, and he said he thinks the new course, the re-addition of the 5K and the addition of the double-up challenge will help do that.
Iverson said if the new course stands, they might start keeping course specific records for it, but over the years, Clary's record — and Anne Hannam's 1988 women's record — have always stood as the event records.
He said the race has gone through many iterations over its 30-plus years, including going from Northern Lights Boulevard all the way to A Street, and one year where racers did several laps downtown.
"… Over the years they've always said Don Clary has the record despite the varying changes that it's gone through," Iverson said.
Race registration for Saturday's race closes at 8:30 a.m. This includes online registration.
"Someone could sign up on their phone while they're in line to get a bib because everything happens that efficiently," Iverson said. "We generally let people sign up if they want to come."
The Classic raises money for Alaska Special Olympics — the organization that put on the race until Iverson and Skinny Raven Sports took over four years ago.
Last year, the event raised more than $5,000 for Alaska Special Olympics.
Iverson said Special Olympics athletes will be racing and volunteering on race day.
"We used to have one or two of their athletes compete every year, and they have a bunch who are going to do it this year," he said. "They've got about 20 people that are planning on doing the race, so either the 5K or 10K, which is really cool."
Prizes and root beer floats will be available for all participants after the race.
Alaska Distance Classic
Atwood Center, APU campus
Registration closes at 8:30 a.m. Saturday
5K — $40
10K — $45
Double-up — $50
Kids 2K — $30