Alaska hosts international mountain running event.

• Author: Pilkington, Steve
• Position: Alaska this Month - World Mountain Running Trophy

Local mountain runners and followers of these events are in for a special treat this month. Alaska was selected as the location for the World Mountain Running Trophy, the first time the international event has been held in the United States and only the second time outside of Europe.

More than 300 athletes from at least 25 nations are expected to take part in this year's 19th annual race, which will be held Sept. 21 at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, starting at the base of the Alyeska Tramway.

The WMRT is considered the official world championship event for the sport of mountain running. Alaska Mountain Runners, a local nonprofit sports and trail restoration group, spearheaded the campaign to have Alaska selected as the host site for this year's event.

Brad Precosky, an avid local mountain runner and fourtime winner of the Mount Marathon Race, said Alaskans have a unique opportunity to increase the visibility of mountain running as a competitive sport both locally and nationwide.

"We are thrilled to bring the most prominent mountain running event ever held in the United States to Alaska," he said. "Prestigious events such as this are instrumental in encouraging young people to become more active and choose healthy outdoor lifestyles."

Allison Knox, who is managing public relations for the race, said AMR, Precosky, the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau and the quality of the location all helped Alaska's bid for the hosting rights.

"It's been held once in Malaysia," Knox said. "Usually it is held in Europe."

According to ACVB figures, this event is projected to have an economic impact of more than $360,000. Knox said the race currently has at least three teams (New Zealand, the Czech Republic and Slovakia) arriving in Alaska a week early.

"This event is going to be a real benefit to our community and to the partners who place their support in it," she said.

Supporters of the run are the World Mountain Running Association, USA Track and Field, and the International Amateur Athletics...