Anchorage Running Club Board of Directors

Current Board members are: Betty Cronin, Ed Wilson, David Ramseur, Mike Halko, Gregory Dixon, Peggy Cobey, Jim Lieb, and Bonnie Swanson. One seat is currently vacant.

President -- David Ramseur (acting)
Vice President -- David Ramseur
Secretary -- Peggy Cobey
Treasurer -- Ed Wilson | e-mail |

President's Corner

All this time I thought the euphoria I experienced when finishing a long run was simply relief at having it over. Now I find out I’m getting off on the “brain’s naturally occurring opiates.”

At least that’s what The New York Times (3/27/08) reported about a German research project that sought to get to the truth of the “runner’s high.” According to the story, for years scientists have been skeptical of this claim by runners and other athletes that they felt so good during a tough workout that it was like taking mind-altering drugs.

German scientists figured out a way to test the theory, subjecting long distance runners to PET scans before and after a two-hour run. The tests found increased levels of endorphins, producing “a chill of euphoria, like Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3.”

That’s not usually the tune that comes to my mind around Mile 13 of a two-hour run. It’s more often Diana Ross’ “Stop in the name of love . . .”

As the ice melts from Anchorage trails, runners across the city are probably humming that ‘70s classic “Summertime in the City” in preparation for this year’s running season.

Many of us are weary of yet another Totem run from the Postmark parking lot to the end of Northern Lights, and look forward to a change of running scenery. Some have already ventured up Arctic Valley Road, where the top remains icy, or Eagle River’s Lollipop, where the military is stricter than ever about permits.

Wherever you run, start tuning up for a great collection of Anchorage Running Club offerings.

ARC’s first race is the May 14 Do Run-Run, a fast four-miler on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. That’s followed just 10 days later by the Trent-Waldron Glacier Half Marathon, where a highly coveted ARC coffee mug is a strong motivation to improve your age-graded time over last year.

See all the details about ARC’s running offerings on our new and improved website at: www.anchoragerunningclub.org.

Your ARC board has been meeting throughout the winter to prepare for this season: doing the sexy work of securing event insurance, lining up race directors and sorting through dozens of applications for scholarship awards.

The Club’s premier event – which used to be known as the Humpy’s Marathon – promises to be bigger and better than ever. Race Director Mike Halko has expanded it into six separate events known as the Big Wild Runs, with a marathon, marathon walk, four person marathon relay, half-marathon, 5-K and kid’s fun run. Thanks to Mike and all the generous sponsors he’s lining up for this Aug. 17 fun-filled day.

A reminder to please renew your ARC membership for the bargain price of $15 for individuals and $25 for families.

We welcome your suggestions, and please consider volunteering for one of our many events.

David Ramseur, President
Anchorage Running Club