Both the Lost Lake Run and Soggy Bottom 100 have been canceled because they are not able to get the needed permits from the U.S. Forest Service.
Patrick Simpson, race director for Lost Lake Run, announced the cancellation in a Sunday email, writing that the race had recently been informed that the Forest Service will not be allowing any recreational permits for the remainder of 2020.
The Lost Lake Run uses the Lost Lake Trail in Chugach National Forest just outside of Seward. The race, which is 15.75 miles and gains and loses 2,100 feet of elevation, starts at the Primrose Campground and ends at the Bear Creek Fire Department.
The race is canceled for a second straight year. Last year, Lost Lake didn’t happen due to hazardous air conditions created by the Swan Lake Fire.
The run raises money to benefit people with cystic fibrosis. According to the race website, Lost Lake Run was started in 1992 and had 55 participants that first year. The Forest Service permit allows 750 runners, a limit that was first reached in 2010.
The race now hits its limit of 750 racers just minutes after spots become available. Lost Lake Run has raised over $2 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
In the Sunday email, Simpson wrote that registrations for individuals, teams and individual fundraisers will be carried forward to 2021. The next race is scheduled for Aug. 21, 2021.
Simpson also wrote the Lost Lake Run is looking into a virtual event for 2020, but this event would be separate from the 2021 registration.
“Possibly you have participated in a few virtual runs and could offer your opinion about what you have liked and what you have not liked,” Simpson wrote. “Any input in this regard is greatly appreciated.”
Simpson also wrote Lost Lake Run will continue its webinar series, available on Facebook and YouTube, on topics ranging from training philosophy and advice to cystic fibrosis stories.
The cancellation of the Lost Lake Run means Seward loses both of its high-profile races for the summer. May 29, the Mount Marathon Race committee voted unanimously not to hold that event in 2020.
The Alaska Endurance Association also announced June 2 on Facebook that the Soggy Bottom 100 will not happen this year because the race is a permitted event that happens in the Chugach National Forest.
The mountain bike race, about 100 miles long, is held on the Resurrection Pass Trail and Devil’s Creek Trail between Hope and Cooper Landing.
The event, which was started in 2004, was shortened to 70 miles last year due to the Swan Lake Fire.
The Resurrection Pass Ultra Races, scheduled for Aug. 7 and 8, also take place on the Resurrection Pass Trail and Devil’s Creek Trail, but these races don’t take place under permits. The running races include a 50- and 100-mile option.
Brandon Wood, co-race director for the Res Pass Ultras, said organizers are aware the Forest Service is not issuing permits. Wood said organizers are hoping to find a contact there to ask for guidance on what to do with the Res Pass Ultras this year.
“We would really like to have the event this year, since it was canceled last year due to fires,” Wood wrote to the Clarion on Monday on Facebook’s Messenger. “That being said, we want to be smart about it.”
Alicia King, public affairs and partnership staff officer with Chugach National Forest, did not provide additional information on the permits Monday. In an email to the Clarion, she wrote she may have more information Tuesday.
