Arctic Village race draws record 35 participants, adds 10K

Thirty-five people ran or walked the 3rd Annual John Fredson Day 5K/10K in Vashraii K'oo (Arctic Village) on July 5, the largest turnout since the race began in 2024. Eight of them entered a 10K, a distance offered for the first time.

The event is a wellness and healing gathering built around remembrance. This year's theme was Nako' Nint'aii Gwanah'ii, "Keep Your Fire Strong." The phrase "Diidrii haa Tr'aagal" translates to "Running with Our Hearts," and participants ran and walked in honor of loved ones. Traditional Chief and Elder Dr. Rev. Trimble Gilbert and Mary Gilbert handed out medals at the finish line.

The race honors John "Zhoh Gwatsan" Fredson, the Gwich'in leader who helped secure federal recognition for the Venetie Indian Reserve in 1941 and who was the first Alaska Native Gwich'in to graduate from college, at the University of the South Sewanee. Last year's second annual event offered the 5K distance only, according to the Tanana Chiefs Conference account of the race.

First Chief Galen Gilbert said the race has drawn more participants and more people training for it. "Since starting the John Fredson running race, I've noticed that we have more people participating and even training for this event," Gilbert said. "It's very healing to our people."

Crystal Frank-Welker founded the race in 2024 and coordinates it with Princess Johnson. "My vision was to get my community excited about running and to honor our ancestor, John Fredson," Frank-Welker said. "Running is my medicine, and I want to share that with my community."

Jennifer Hanson completed the 10K in 1 hour, 30 minutes. A month earlier, she had told herself she would walk the new distance. "To complete the 10k in 1.5 hours was an accomplishment that made me feel proud of my heritage, to be in recovery, to be thriving in sobriety," Hanson said.

Donald Tritt returned to a running event after a decade away. "I've been losing weight all summer and can't wait until next year," Tritt said.

After the race, participants and spectators shared a meal provided by Dishii, a Fairbanks-based catering company. Odin, who has roots in Vashraii K'oo, and his wife, Joana, prepared pico de gallo, quesadillas, pulled pork and fresh guacamole. "I think being of service to our people is something that is really important," Odin said. "Being of service to our Tribe is something that really lifts everyone's spirits, including our own."

Sponsors included Frosty Feet Running Company, the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Wright Air Service, Dishii, The North Face, Arctic Village Council and the Fairbanks Wellness Coalition.