Let the Races Begin

Sled dog team in Bethel, Alaska

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.

Emily and Mitch host a Kuskokwim 300 update

Volunteers Emily Russell and Mitch Borden co-host a live update as part of our coverage of the Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race. Photo: Margaret DeMaioribus, KNOM.

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.

Kuskokwim 300 Race Map in Studio A

The window of KNOM’s Studio A, adorned with a hand-drawn map of the Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race route. Photo: Maddie Winchester, KNOM.


2 Comments

  1. Peggy holley on February 3, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    I love to read your newsletter, especially about the dog races. I salute all you dedicated people who work under such severe weather conditions. Down here in northeast Florida, I get depressed if the sun does not shine every day. God bless you all.



    • David Dodman on February 3, 2016 at 3:29 pm

      Thanks so much, Peggy! Appreciate it.