Race Across Alaska Winter Challenge

Application is now closed. Our application will open September 2025 for next Winter's Challenge. Hoping to apply? We are looking for athletes that are highly involved on our Virtual Race Across Alaska Private Facebook group through supporting others but also through inspiration, real life, and positive posts that help encourage others to get active in the Winter. 

 

RAAWC Ambassador Benefits:
Complimentary entry into the RAAWC
RAAWC apparel package
Featured on our website

What does a RAAWC Ambassador do?
RAAWC Ambassadors help spread the word about RAAWC to their community!

Ambassadors should be:
Passionate and active runners, hikers, bikers, swimmers, and/or xc skiers
Outgoing and friendly people that believe in inclusivity of all types of people
Able to make a one-year commitment (September 2024-May 2025)

One-Year Commitment Includes:
Active on personal social media accounts posting about RAAWC
Active on our private RAAWC Facebook group & Instagram page
Involvement with local clubs to help spread the word about RAAWC
Engage with first timers in the Facebook group
Help at RAAWC events, if local (Solstice Tree Tour, Swag pickup events, medal pickup events)

Tina Torun

Anchorage, Alaska

Hi everyone, I am Tina! This will be my 5th year doing the RAAWC, one of the original racers and an honor to be an ambassador for the 4th time. Born and raised in Anchorage, AK. I am very involved in the local running community. I am in the Anchorage Running Club, Raven Run Club, on the Anchorage RunFest race committee, Volunteer Athletic Director of Team RWB Anchorage, NSAA member, the Alaska Ambassador for Marathon Maniacs & Half Fanatics, and member of the 100 Half Marathon Club.
Winter is always the toughest season and the RAAWC adds extra motivation to stay active during the winter months. I like to inspire and motivate others to get outside to enjoy our state. I like to nordic ski in the winter. It is always fun to meet and see other racers in the community. The RAAWC has been very encouraging and has helped me stay connected to friends- in state, out of state and internationally. The trifecta challenge will help with my GNT training.
I am working on my goal to run a half or full marathon in all 50 states, so far I have run in 33 states. I have run 78 half marathons and 15 full marathons. This summer, it was an honor to be selected for Skinny Raven's Running Community Photo Shoot and interview. This photo was taken by Jovell at Akela Space. My RAAWC team will be Team Ididarun. Let's go!

 

Heidi Hatcher

Gakona, Alaska

Hi folks! I’m Heidi and I live in Gakona with my husband, our two little boys, and rescue doggo. I’m a wildlife biologist who also dabbles in photography and other hobbies. We’ve always been big on adventure but it can be hard to stay active during the week between work and littles. I’ve been participating in the RAAWC since its inception and it’s been a game changer to help motivate me to get outside and move on cold dark nights after work. I’m excited to participate in the whole Trifecta Fitness Challenge this year!! Teams aren’t really my thing but to help track recruitment I made a team this year. There and Back Again!! (A hobbit’s tale).

 

Fiona Taylor

Snoqualmie, Washington

Hi I’m Fiona! I’m excited to be an ambassador again this year, it’s an honor! I’m looking forward to another year of biking, jogging, skiing and of course dog walking. It’s always so cool and inspiring seeing everyone’s photos of events and everyday activities! I love seeing all the terrain and beautiful places. My goal is to post more photos this year. Also hope to get more outdoor miles in biking. I love the connectivity this race creates and it’s so good to see everyone again.
(Team Tenacity)

 

Carey Quiring
Palmer, Alaska

This will be my 5th year participating in Race Across Alaska! 3rd year as an ambassador! I am a runner. The last few years I’ve been ultra running (anything over a marathon - 26.2 miles). So far I’ve completed a 50 mile and 49k, 50k and 100k distances. My next step is 100 miles. We’ll see!
The Race Across Alaska has kept me motivated to stay moving during the winter months.
Being an ambassador encourages me to meet new people. Getting people motivated to move during the fall, winter and spring is going to be great!

 

 

Gianna McCune

Valdez, Alaska

Hi Everybody! I am excited to be a part of this group for the third year in a row! And THREE challenges... YES! I go into a funk after I don't log miles or minutes when a challenge ends. I live a very active lifestyle in Valdez, AK. I'm a mama to an amazing 12 year old and school counselor. My goal is to be an example for all the youth in my life. I want to demonstrate consistency, grit and perseverance. In doing this I sign up for absurd challenges like Ironman's, running events and obstacle races. If Ms. Giusti can do it SO CAN YOU!
I'm looking forward to spreading enthusiasm and motivation to our wellness community!

 

Suzanne Bassett

North Pole, Alaska

Hi, my name is Suzanne. I live with my wife and two boys in the Fairbanks area. This will be my second year as a Race Across Alaska ambassador and I am excited for the increase in participation in the Northern Interior region of Alaska and the full Trifecta Fitness Challenge. The best piece of advice I received for surviving Alaskan winters was “Get outside!” The first couple of years this was through the sport of skijoring, but as my dogs have aged and kids have come into my life – now I’m the one pulling the kids along on skis   I also like to run, walk, hike, snowshoe and I even own a pair of ice skates. This year my goals are to use the time of the Brr Ber challenge to focus on strength and flexibility and then push myself with longer distances with bike miles while also trying to log a couple miles in each category. I love using challenges as motivation to go the extra mile and am inspired by all the other participants. As a busy mom, I frequently use exercise for my “me time” or as a way to catch up with friends – whether that is the extra accountability to show up at a group event or the chance for a smaller group walk-in-talk. My work varies from full day (and night) tours to the Arctic Circle, working 12-hr shifts on the L&D unit, and getting to work from home for the business office. Sometimes this gets hectic but allows for flexibility in my schedule for long lunch breaks and sometimes day-long explorations enjoying every last bit of daylight! I am always up for new adventures, so my teams name this year is Arctic Adventurers.

 

Rick Zwetsch

Holland, Michigan

Hi everyone, I'm Rick Zwetsch! I'm 67 years old and live in beautiful Holland, MI. This will be my third RAAWC, and I am thrilled to be on the Ambassador team for the second time!
I'm a recovering ultra-cyclist, having completed several 24-plus-hour bike races (one was 925 virtual miles!), both virtual and IRL, over the past five years. I've also logged 60,000+ miles on Zwift, so that's where the majority of my RAAWC miles will happen. I'll also add some walking and rowing to the mix this winter!
Last year, we had a team of 14 from 10 states and two countries. I think we finished with a little less than 25,000 team miles. Our first-place finish in the 2,000-mile group sure helped our team total! We have a BIG GOAL for this winter, so stay tuned!
I am so happy to be part of this great group. I hope everyone has a healthy and active winter. See you all on the board!

Carrie Stanfield
Anchorage, Alaska 

Hi all! My name is Carrie Stanfield. I am 43 years old. I'm the mother of two young men (they're too old to call them boys anymore!) and have been happily married to my husband, Lloyd, for going on 20 years now! I found my love for running in my late thirties and have not slowed down since! I am very goal (and medal  ) driven, so I like to sign up for any challenge or race possible to keep me motivated to do more! I enjoy doing sprint triathlons and longer distance runs (half marathons and marathons specifically), but I'm always willing to sign up for any race that benefits a good cause (or a good time)! I am thrilled to be an ambassador this year and hope to motivate many to get out there and enjoy all that Alaska (or your state) has to offer! My team for the Trifecta Fitness Challenge is "Dare To Do Different" and I can't wait to see all that they will do!

 

Charla Burke
Vancouver, WA
 

Meet Charla from Vancouver, WA, this is my first time being an ambassador and I am so excited to try all three challenges! Last year I was recovering from double jaw surgery and I needed something to work towards and the Alaska Winter Challenge helped get me back on the bike and helped me conquer my goals of several tough gravel events. This year I have more goals and want to keep up my strength but also have fun doing so...maybe that means more snowshoeing, more commuting by bike, or more night walks with my headlamp. As an ambassador I look forward to being engaged with some fun photo posts and getting friends and family together to explore new places! Looking forward to our fall challenge BRR BER and the colors we will see!
(Team: NW Squatch Squad)

 

Mari Rueter
Anchorage, Alaska

I'm Mari Rueter, a lifelong Alaskan who loves to run and seek out what makes Alaska amazing! I used to focus on road running, but have gotten more into trail and mountain running the past couple of years. I also like to compete in triathlons and have started classic cross country skiing.
Going for runs has also become a big part of my social time. I have made many amazing friends through various groups such as Raven Run Club, Skinny Raven Sports Pub Runs, Trail Sisters, AK Beer Runners, Anchorage Running Club, and an amazing group of women called Ladies in Motion.
My goal is to challenge myself by pushing myself beyond my comfort zone and to encourage others to do their best at whatever activities they are working on. I also hope to complete an ultra in the next few years.
I can only do all of this with the support of my wonderful fiancé Jeremy, my family, and my friends. Let's see how many miles we can get!

 

Juley Kalugin
Anchor Point, Alaska

Hi, I’m Juley! I’m a mom and grandmother of 5 in a few months. I ran when I was young for exercise. I stopped when my kids were in ALL the after school activities and I didn’t have time. Now that they’re older, I picked it up again. As I am getting older, I’ve branched out to swimming a couple mornings a week. And I learned to cross country ski last year. My kids are my biggest support. I try to stay as healthy as possible so I can enjoy my children and grandchildren, 4 little grandsons keep me on the run!

 

Lauren McQuillan
Eagle River, Alaska

Hi, I’m Lauren! I’m a mom, wife, nurse, animal lover and breast cancer survivor! My family and I moved to Alaska almost 8 years ago and while it hasn’t always been easy, I cannot imagine living anywhere else but man, these winters can be long! Follow that up with breakup season and one can easily be put over the edge! So for the past two winters, my coworkers and I have taken on the Race Across Alaska as a way to keep our butts motivated and moving throughout the winter and the Forget-Me-Not Challenge in the Spring! You’ll find me dog walking, running, XC (and poorly downhill) skiing, ice skating, hiking and cycling but I’m always up for trying something new! I am excited to meet all of you and to take on these challenges and hopefully motivate some people along the way!

 

Misty Holacka
Fairbanks, Alaska

HELLO HELLO!!!! I found out about the Race Across Alaska last winter (and I've been here 5!) and I was addicted. I sadly didn't complete my insane commitment because I had 2 GI bugs (yes 2!!!) and food poisoning all in one month. But, I did ride until the very end.
I am origionally from Ohio, and I the past I have run 1/2 marathons ( 3 of them...I'm only 1/2 crazy) as well as crossfit competitions and competitive powerlifting. When I moved here, I had to reinvent myself because Covid shut so much down.
I am in Fairbanks with my 2 kids and husband. I am a peloton addict. It is truly my antidepressant in the wintertime here, as movement is medicine. This year, my hope is to branch out into more outdoors activities and really take in winter sports. I am also in my final year of grad school, so it'll take a fine balance of work, school, and challenges to get through these 3 challenges!
Thankful for this opportunity!!!

 

Esther Bautis
Wasilla, Alaska

Hey everyone,
I'm a physical therapist, type 1 diabetic athlete, adventurer and someone who needs to be moving, preferably in the mountains to feel my zen. I'm definitely jack of all trades master of none kinda girl. I'll climb, hike, cycle, run, lift and do yoga or dance. My first career was theater, primarily dance and then went back to school for physical therapy. For me movement is so healing.
Throughout both careers I found every opportunity to be in the mountains. When that is not possible I lift and do a lot of stability. My goal in life is to keep getting as strong as I can and stay as fit as possible as I age. I'm excited to be part of this community and spread fitness to as many people as I can. I didn't know about all three challenges until this year. I just knew about Race across Alaska. Excited to get involved in the other two. Looking forward to meeting all of you and sharing ideas.

 

Lael Oldmixon
Fairbanks, Alaska
 

I’m just your average thinker, dreamer, doer - middle-aged working mom - seeking motivation to stay active between work, pick-up/drop-off, all the kid’s activities, and my own community engagement.  
I became active in the Fairbanks running community about 15 years ago, and though I do not think of myself as a runner, I have completed several long distance runs including two Equinox Marathons and two Boston Marathons along with SO many 5Ks, 10Ks, 1/2 marathons, and virtual runs. The RAAWC kept me motivated during winter training months and active last winter when I really needed a fitness goal. I am an all-around fitness person including biking, skiing (both types), hiking, walking, swimming (only a little), and yoga. I’m a newly minted indoor cycling instructor and teach 2x weekly with my husband at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Today, (Equinox Marathon day), I hiked over 9 miles with alumni of Team in Training - the group that inspired my running ‘career’. It snowed but it was wonderful!!
I am SO excited to be an ambassador for RAAWC.

 

Sovala Kisena
Kenai, Alaska

I’m an average adult who often uses my busy life as an excuse to skip exercising as much as I should. However, the Race Across Alaska Winter Challenge has been the single most positive influence on my physical and mental health. As an Ambassador, I love encouraging others like me to challenge themselves and try new things to make exercise more enjoyable. Personally, I enjoy spending time riding bikes with friends, trying new sports like cross-country skiing (this year, it's hockey), and being outdoors with my wife and kids.