Drew Harrington Trails Running Series
The Drew Harrington Trails Running Series was started in 2008 with a mission of increasing the participation in local trail races and introducing runners and hikers of all levels to new trails. The series, created by Matias Saari, had six events in 2008: Masochism on Moose Mountain, Ester Dome Ass Kicker, Granite Tors Trail Run, Chena Hot Springs Run & Soak, Mount Healy Challenge, and Run for the Refuge (10k). The Wickersham Dome Trail Run was added in 2010 and the Musk Ox Run and the Toghetthele1 (formerly the Annihilator) were added for the 2011 season. Drew’s Angel Creek 502 (formerly the Angel Creek 50 Miler) was added as an exhibition event from 2016 to 2023. The current Drew Harrington Trail Running Series includes the following seven events:
- Toghetthele Trail Run
- Masochism on Moose Mountain
- Wickersham Dome Trail Run
- Ester Dome Ass Kicker
- Chena Hot Springs Run & Soak
- Granite Tors Trail Run
- Musk Ox Run
A new point system tracked runners in the 2011 season. The new point system is intended to account for increased participation in trail series events since the inaugural 2008 season. The age groups (29 & under, 30 to 44, and 45 & over) were updated to the present age groups (29 & under, 30-49, and 50 & over). Participants in the series are classified by their ages as of May 1st and remain in that age class for the duration of the series. In previous seasons runners scored points in their best four races in the series. This restriction was removed for the 2011 season; runners now score points in all trail series events in which they compete.
Awards for the overall Drew Harrington Trail Series champions, age group winners, and the “Going the Distance” award for runners who complete all the trail series events are presented at the annual Running Club Social in the fall.
1. The Toghetthele Trail Run (‘TOG-uh-TEE-lee’, which in Athabascan means “hill on the river”) is the new name of the first race of the series, as of 2019. The course will be unchanged, but the new name better honors the Alaska Native history of the area and reflects the name of the area. The event is now a fundraiser for the Nenana High School XC team. We use the name with the permission of the Toghetthele Native Corporation.
2. In 2020 the Angel Creek 50 Miler was renamed Drew’s Angel Creek 50 to honor Drew Harrington, one of Alaska’s top endurance runners and inspiration of the Angel Creek 50 Miler who passed away much too soon.
More History
Courtesy of Oralee Nudson….
The Northern Trail Running Series was created in 2008 by Matias Saari. Drew Harrington took over directorship of the series a few years later. The first year featured 6 races: Masochism on Moose Mountain, Donnelly Dome Ascent, Ester Dome Ass Kicker, Chena Hot Springs Run and Soak, Granite Tors Trail Run, Mount Healy Challenge.
2009 featured 5 races: Masochism on Moose Mountain, Granite Tors Trail Run, Ester Dome Ass Kicker, Chena Hot Springs Run and Soak, Mt Healy Challenge
2010 and 2011 featured 6 races: Masochism on Moose Mountain, Granite Tors Trail Run, Ester Dome Ass Kicker, Chena Hot Springs Run and Soak, Annihilator, Wickersham Dome Trail Run
2012-2019 featured 7 races: Annihilator, Masochism on Moose Mountain, Granite Tors, Ester Dome Ass Kicker, Chena Hot Springs Run and Soak, Wickersham Dome Trail Run, Musk Ox Run
2020 was the covid year with 1 virtual race: Masochism on Moose Mountain
2021 featured 5 races: Toghotthele Trail Run (formerly the Annihilator), Masochism on Moose Mountain, Wickersham Dome Trail Run, Granite Tors Trail Run, Musk Ox Trail Run
2022 – current 7 races: Toghotthele Trail Run, Masochism on Moose Mountain, Wickersham Dome Trail Run, Ester Dome Ass Kicker, Chena Hot Springs Run and Soak, Granite Tors Trail Run, Musk Ox Trail Run
Bob Vitale completed the first 96 races in the years 2008 – 2023.
Oralee Nudson has completed all 112 thus far and plans to finish out 20 years if all goes well.