Press Release 3/28/20
The Inaugural “Hunker Down” Marathon took place on a balmy 20-degree day today on the Anchorage trail system. There was 1 participant, Jen Novobilski, who was also acting as the race director. “I couldn’t get it together to advertise the event, make bibs or order T-shirts,” Novobilski admits, “but it was a great day for the event!” The race started after Novobilski finished her morning bagel and coffee, around 10:50 am on Saturday morning. The start line was set up in Novobilski’s living room. “It was a pretty low key event” she recalled. “I kissed my wife goodbye and I was off.”
The start of the event was slow, as Novobilski had to walk down the icy steps of her condo, but once on the road, she was able to pick up the pace. “I picked this course because the temperature went down and the trails were packed down pretty good, which made for a fast course.” After 0.5 miles on the road, the course entered the single track trails near University Lake, and then connected to Chester Creek trail.
At mile 6.6 at Westchester Lagoon, an unregistered bandit hopped on the race course with Novobilski. “I knew her, so I figured I would add another race distance to accommodate her preference.” Andrea Horn won the 9.1-mile event, which ended at the Kincaid Chalet in West Anchorage, and also the site of the only aid station the event offered. After first getting too close for a high five, the ladies proceeded to take another photo at the required social separation distance.
Novobilski’s watch is old, so she was forced to power down the GPS while at the aid station, “I didn’t want the battery to die” she stated. Novobilski’s wife, Candace Blas, was the only sponsor of the inaugural event, and supplied the marathoner with a Luke warm greasy cheese quesadilla, a coke and a Twinkie. “I love a good Twinkie on a long run,” Novobilski remarked.
At miler marker 16.75, Novobilski restarted her watch and headed back down the coastal trail, alone. She took a side trip on the Middle Earth trail, which is reminiscent of the “Lord of the Rings,” in the snow.
Once back on the main trail, the pain of the distance started to set in. “Mile 20 is always tough, but I look at it as the start of the race,” Novobilski reminisced. “I usually pick up the pace at this point, but since I know I’ll be the winner, I just took it easy.”
At mile 22, Blas rode her bike into the trail to meet Novobilski and give her another Twinkie. “Yummy!” Novobilski exclaimed. Blas rode a little ways pacing Novobilski, but ultimately she could not keep up, so Blas went ahead to set up the finish line, her hammock.
With just 4.2 miles to go, the wind started howling and made the conditions a bit uncomfortable. “That’s the joy of running in Alaska!”
And then it was over… Novobilski won her event and stumbled into the finish line of her wife’s arms. “I should have made myself a medal,” she remarked, “next time“ she thought.
Sponsors:
Twinkies, Quesadillas, and Coca Cola ‘brought to me’ by Candace Blas.