As you read these words, we’re at the beginning of “race season” in Western Alaska: the several months during which competitions of sled dogs and snowmachines (snowmobiles) captivate and inspire listeners throughout our state. Through your support, KNOM has covered these unique, incredible events for more than four decades; 2016 is no exception.

The first major instance of race season, this year, was the Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race, a 300-mile competition that begins and ends in the city of Bethel, Alaska. Over a long weekend, our full-time volunteers and staff — like Emily Russell and Mitch Borden, pictured — rallied to report all the dimensions of the race, a living continuation of the heritage of traditional, Alaska Native culture. (Even our studio window, pictured, was bedecked with a K-300 map.)

Stay tuned in future issues for more on race season: including Alaska’s annual, epic Iditarod.