Staff report

The Mount Marathon Race announced Thursday it had hired Matias Saari to be its race director.

According to a press release issued by the race, Mount Marathon Race has been run by the staff of the Seward Chamber of Commerce Conference Visitors Bureau, which also owns and funds the race. There has not been a race director since 2004.

The press release said Saari will now oversee race operations while working with the Seward Chamber and the Mount Marathon Race committee.

“Managing the event’s popularity, the race course’s unique terrain and the sheer numbers of volunteers and spectators requires a dedicated employee,” said Karol Fink, a longtime committee member and race participant, in a released statement. “The committee is looking forward to working with Matias as we streamline our race operations.”

Saari has done the race 12 times and won the event in 2009. He also is director for Crow Pass Crossing, Kesugi Ridge Traverse and the Tour of Anchorage ski and bike races. He’s a board member for Alaska Mountain Runners and also works as the event support coordinator for the nonprofit Healthy Futures organization.

The 93rd running of the event will be July 4, 2020, in Seward.