On Saturday, May 27, Cook Inletkeeper hosts the Mouth to Mouth Wild Run & Ride between the mouths of the Kenai (Kahtnuh Kaq’) and Kasilof (Ggasila Hdakaq’) rivers. Participants can choose to run 3 or 10 miles, or bike the 10 miles from one river mouth to the other. The 10-mile races start at the Kasilof River mouth and end at Dunes Road beach access off Cannery Road. The 10-mile finish line serves as the start and finish for the 3-mile race, in which participants run or walk out and back to touch the Kenai River mouth.
The Mouth to Mouth community beach race aspires to make everyone feel valued, respected, and included. To honor the expression and beauty of all human beings and so that all can be seen as they choose to identify, participants can self-identify as non-binary when registering for the race. Social and environmental justice are inextricably intertwined and this humble race works to promote equal opportunities and fair treatment for all. Standing in solidarity with the whole of our communities in our watershed is one way we move toward more justice, equity, and inclusivity.
We also want to recognize that the lands the race takes place on have been stewarded by the Dena’ina people for time immemorial. We are excited about this annual celebration of fun and connection to the rivers we love and enjoy. Race check-in begins at 1:00 pm and the race kicks off at 2:00 pm. For more information about this year’s Mouth to Mouth Wild Run & Ride on Saturday, May 27, Memorial Day Weekend, head to www.inletkeeper.org/m2m to register or contact us at wildrunandride@gmail.com.