It's race day, folks! At 6:30pm 21 teams will start on their journey up the Kuskokwim. Bethel is buzzing with anticipation as mushers and volunteers make last minute preparations for what promises to be an exciting weekend.
It will be a traditional K300 start with mushers leaving two at a time from the start line on the river, near First National Bank Alaska. Emcees Myron and Andy Angstman will provide commentary.
From the start mushers travel upriver to Straight Slough, then they'll continue upriver until they get on the Gweek River. At roughly the 20 mile mark, teams will turn onto an overland trail behind the villages of Akiachak and Akiak. Below Tuluksak they'll return to the Kusko then pass through the traditional Tuluksak Checkpoint.
From there the K300 follows its traditional route through Bogus Creek then on to Kalskag. From Kalskag they will travel to Aniak via the Whitefish Lake loop and then will return to Kalskag on the Kuskokwim. From Kalskag they will follow the same route downriver to Bethel.
We expect the livestream of the start, presented by KYUK and the Lower Kuskokwim School District, to begin at about 6:15 PM. See it at www.facebook.com/Kuskokwim300
Keep a close eye on our facebook page as we'll be livestreaming as frequently as possible throughout the race.
Photo sharing: We love to share spectator photos from the trail! Please send yours to photos@k300.org
Fireworks will begin about 15 minutes after the last musher leaves the chute.
Akiak Dash fans - we'll be posting a preview and racer info tonight! That race begins tomorrow, Saturday at 12 NOON.
Other Events:
K300 Concert:
The K300 Race Committee is co-sponsoring a concert with the Southwest Alaska Arts Group on Saturday night. Come see Anchorage band The Jangle Bees at 6:30 PM at the Cultural Center. Beer, wine and hard seltzer will be served.
K300 Awards Banquet:
Join us at the Cultural Center again on Monday 1/30 at 6pm, as we honor mushers who have competed in the K300, Bogus Creek 150 and the Akiak Dash. A delicious dinner will be served by Ravenous Enterprises!
K300 Auction:
We have everything from local crafts to extravagant getaways up for auction this year. Check it out!
