The Lost Lake Breath of Life Run began as a passing thought. Having very little fund raisers for Cystic Fibrosis in the entire state of Alaska it was believed that there needed to be an event as big as the state itself. Since so many people in the Seward area love to run, we thought that would be the best type of event to have. But, where would they like to run to? There was only one suggestion – Lost Lake. A 16 mile U.S. Forest Service trail beginning at Primrose campground and leads to Lost Lake, ending near Bear Creek just outside Seward. We had the location, now we needed to make the race different.
Most races have awards and t-shirts for the participants, but that seemed too generic. We wanted to make sure the runners knew we appreciated the effort they made to not only run the race, but to collect pledges for the fight to cure Cystic Fibrosis.
The evening before the race a “Carbo Feed” is held. This gives the runners a chance to get together and plan their strategies. It is also the first chance to pick up bib numbers for registered runners. The following morning, the 11th hour, more runners arrive and are able to check-in and pick up their bib numbers. One hour before the race begins, all runners are transported 12 miles up the road to the starting line. Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes later the first runner crosses the finish line.
Shortly after the first runners cross the finish line, the barbecue begins. Time to relax, enjoy lunch, and cheer on runners. A couple hours after the first group of runners cross the finish line, awards are handed out. Awards are given to the top runners in the age categories. But, we are not done yet. Now we really reward the runners for participating in the race. A drawing is held for contributions made by businesses supporting Cystic Fibrosis research. Past contributions include: airline tickets, cruises, fishing charters, sightseeing charters, overnight hotel certificates, dinner certificates, and much more.
The first year of The Lost Lake Breath of Life Run, 1992, there were 55 participants. The US Forest Service will only allow 750 runners on the trail on race day. 2010 was the first year that the Lost Lake Run met its capacity, filling in 90 days. In 2015 the race filled in under 15 minutes, making it one of the more popular mountain races in Alaska. Since inception, this event has raised over $2 million dollars for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
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Most gorgeous race ever
This race covers the most gorgeous trail I have ever been on in 40+ years of hiking. On a clear day you have a 360 view of the Chugach mountain … MORE
This race covers the most gorgeous trail I have ever been on in 40+ years of hiking. On a clear day you have a 360 view of the Chugach mountain peaks lit red by blooming fireweed. The ridge overlooks the small town of Seward, AK and all of Kenai Fjords National Park. To top it off the race is a fund raiser for Cystic Fibrosis so the entry fee is easy to part with.
The trail does make you earn your views with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain up one side of the ridge and dropping back down the other side, but it is worth every step.