A 5K run paired with an obstacle course will serve as Norton Sound Health Corporation’s (NSHC) Summercise intern’s final stamp on Nome. The Nome-Ja Warrior race held at AC’s parking lot will offer a unique challenge for competitors, rain or shine.
Nicole Mertz is the Prevention Program Coordinator for NSHC’s CAMP Department. With some Summercise interns leaving just the day after the event, they’re hoping to go out with a bang.
“This is a first for us and since we have our interns in town, we figured we’d try something new,” Mertz said. “They’ve been doing a lot of work, and we’re pretty proud of them. It’s exciting to have this event as a finale to their time here.”
The idea for the Nome-Ja Warrior race has been in development since the interns arrived in late May.
“We presented the idea to them when they first got here, and we’ve been brainstorming different ideas ever since,” Mertz explained.
The team has focused on creating a fun and challenging obstacle course using natural elements like driftwood from the beach to create balancing beams and hurdles. Participants can expect agility movements, crawling, jumping, and if the current forecast holds- getting a bit wet.
“You might be on your hands and knees on the ground, get a little wet, and you might get dirty.” Mertz added.
Race Start: AC's Parking Lot
The event is set to replace this year’s Wyatt Earp Dexter Challenge, a race often plagued by poor weather conditions.
“We love this race, but it’s always horrible weather. Maybe it’s unlucky, but we thought let’s try something different,” Mertz said.
Community members interested in participating or supporting the event are encouraged to come out and join the fun. The event begins in the AC’s parking lot Tuesday, August 6 at 6:00 p.m. Competitors are encouraged to arrive early for sign ups.
