06 Aug 2022
2022, Event Updates, History, Race No Comments
August 6, 2022 Karen Lewis

Mineshaft Grinder 2022 Needs Volunteers

The 3rd Annual Mineshaft Grinder Needs Volunteers!

VOLUNTEER

This race is made possible by volunteers! Please click here to sign up for volunteer opportunities. The first ten volunteers will receive a $20 gift certificate to the Trek Bicycle Store of Anchorage. All volunteers will receive a raffle ticket for giveaways at the Creekbend Cafe afterparty as well as a meal.

VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTIONS

Registration (7:45 AM-10:30 AM): 

  • Responsible for checking in racers, distributing race bags and signing up and collecting payment from same day race registrants.

Bike Timing/Finish (9 AM – 12:30 PM or End of Race):

  • Responsible for tracking bike participants times. Volunteers will be staged at the end of the bike race which is at the end of Palmer Creek Road.

  • Responsible for monitoring the refreshment table and replenishing as needed.

Run Timing/Finish and Bike Start (9 AM – 12:30 PM or End of Race):

  • Responsible for starting all the races which take place at Hope School

  • Responsible for tracking the running race times which all end at Hope School

  • They will also be responsible for monitoring the refreshment table and replenishing as needed.

Parking (7:45 AM- 10:30 AM):

  • Responsible for ensuring safety, courtesy, and common sense while assisting with parking of all volunteers, participants and spectators.

Aid Stations/Race Turnarounds (9 AM – 12:30 or End of the Race) 

  • Responsible for one of four different aid station areas – see below for descriptions.

  • Checkpoint volunteers will drive their own vehicle to have a safe place to stay and carry their own gear.

  • Two of the aid stations also function as the turn-around sites for the runners.

After Party Setup/Clean Up (12:30 – 3ish) Responsible for assisting with any after party setup at the Creekbend Cafe and clean up afterwards.

RACE LOCATION

The Mineshaft Grinder takes place in Hope, AK. All races start at the Hope School and follow parts or all of Palmer Creek Road.

COURSE

  • The Gold Grinder is an uphill-only bike race for riders to grind up 1900’ over 11 miles to the end of Palmer Creek Road.
  • The Silver Grinder is a 1/2 Marathon to the Nearhouse Mine Trail on Palmer Creek Road and back to Hope School.
  • The Quartz Grinder is an 8.5-mile round-trip run to the top of the switchbacks on Palmer Creek Road and back to the Hope School.

 The race turnarounds for the running races will be at Aid Station 1 for the Quartz Grinder (8.5 Mile Run) and at Aid Station 2 for the Silver Grinder (Half-Marathon).

Aid Stations:

There will be four aid stations available along Palmer Creek Road including:

  • Aid Station 1 – Top of switchbacks 
  • Aid Station 2 – ½ Marathon Turn Around (Nearhouse Mine)
  • Aid Station 3 – Coeur d’Alene Campground
  • Aid Station 4 – End of Palmer Creek Road

We ask that all participants bring their own reusable means of carrying water. There will be water jugs available at all the aid stations.

AFTERPARTY

The afterparty will take place at the Creekbend Cafe in Hope starting at 1 PM. Awards and raffle prizes will be announced starting at 1:30 PM. You must be present to win raffle prizes. As a volunteer you will receive a raffle ticket for prizes.

SAFETY

The race is being held in bear country so carrying bear spray is recommended!

PARKING

Parking will be available at the Hope School. There is limited parking so please carpool if able. If you are volunteering for an aid station you will be transporting yourself to the designated aid station.

Click here to sign up for volunteer opportunities.

All proceeds support the Hope School and KMTA’s Community Grant Program.

This race is under permit with the Chugach National Forest Service.

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