The Gakona Trifesta
Johana McMahan and LeAnn Larson pose in their race outfits. Photo by Mackenzie Dysinger.
By Mackenzie Dysinger
With its numerous rivers and tributaries, the Copper River Basin captivates the dreams of many outdoor enthusiasts. The combination of roads and trails that intersect with the Basin’s rivers create an opportunity for endless adventure. After a few years of discussing and dreaming, a group of locals from Gakona decided to use one of the Basin’s many rivers as the setting for a mini triathlon.
On July 24, a rainy Saturday morning, the group met outside the Historic Gakona Lodge to begin the event they dubbed the Trifesta. Starting at the lodge around noon, participants biked up the Tok Road and down towards Sailors’ Pit where they were to follow the BLM easement markers to their designated watercraft location. Once in their pre-staged watercraft of choice, they would float down towards the Gulkana bridge. At the bridge spectators and volunteers helped pull participants and their watercrafts onto shore. The participants were then to run back from the bridge to the lodge where family and friends would cheer them on as they crossed the finish line.
LeAnn Larson runs with her son Ledge during the Gakona Trifesta. Photo by Mackenzie Dysinger.
A variety of athletes lined up at the starting line, some dressed up in Viking outfits, feather crowns and colorful ponchos while others took the more traditional Alaskan route choosing to bike the hill in their Xtratuffs. The massive Tok hill proved difficult for some while the excitement of the event carried most participants all the way up to their first water stop. Although most participants in the event were adults, the two aid stations were run by a group of children eager to cheer on their community.
The constant drizzling rain made for a slick ride into Sailor’s Pit. The athletes' watercraft choice was as varied as the athletes themselves, including a hot pink pack raft, inflatable kayaks and a small black innertube. However, the Gulkana River may have been the easiest part of the Trifesta. Upon coming to the first bridge participants faced yet another steep hill as they ran back to the Tok Cut-Off. Participants were a comical sight to any tourist driving by as they hobbled up the hill towards the finish. A hot pink ribbon served as the finish line which each athlete had the opportunity to break as they raced towards the end of the Trifesta. The Gakona Lodge was full of local family and friends who joined the eager participants in a post race potluck and celebration.