July 3rd, 2025 by Seward Folly Staff

The Mount Marathon Race fully acknowledges that the event is held on the homeland of the Sugpiaq/Alutiiq people. Beginning in 2025, the race is partnering with the Qutekcak Native Tribe to honor and respect the land and its indigenous people

Alaska Natives have always played a pivotal role in the story of the Mount Marathon Race. While legend says the race began in 1915 with a bet between two prospectors, it quickly became more than just a challenge; it became a showcase of community, perseverance, and respect for the rugged mountain — values deeply rooted in Alaska Native culture.

Early on, the boys from the Jesse Lee Home, many of them Alaska Native, dominated the race. Their frequent wins made sense — Alaska Native communities have long valued cooperation, sharing, and living in harmony with nature. These same values echo in the communal spirit and environmental respect demanded by the Mount Marathon Race.

In 1928, a 16-year-old Jesse Lee Home resident named Ephraim Kalmakoff, an Alaska Native, set a course record that stood for three decades. He won several races, and records show many of his fellow Jesse Lee Home residents, also Alaska Native, finished near the top. In 1931, another young Native runner, Willie Kanyak, won at just 14 years old. And not to be overlooked, Erma Jane Trigg — also Alaska Native — became the first recorded woman to run this grueling course.

The race took a break for several years in the 1930s and during World War II, but when it returned, Alaska Native athletes were still at the forefront. Ralph Hatch, with deep ties to the Jesse Lee Home, became a legend in Seward and Mount Marathon history. Growing up in Seward and later serving in World War II, Hatch won the race six times — five consecutively from 1946 to 1950, and once more in 1953 — a record for local Seward men that still stands. Despite his achievements, Hatch was known for his humility and quiet confidence, traits that endeared him to the community.

Tomorrow, two of Ralph’s granddaughters will run the race, continuing both their family’s legacy and the broader tradition of Alaska Native participation. This isn’t just about athletic achievement — it’s about passing down tradition, honoring ancestors, and reinforcing the deep, lasting ties between the Native community and the land.

The Mount Marathon Race takes place on the ancestral lands of the Sugpiaq/Alutiiq people. It’s more than a competition; it’s a celebration of resilience and community spirit, with the Fourth of July adding another layer of meaning for everyone involved. For many locals, racing or supporting the event is a source of pride and a way to strengthen their connection to this place. As we celebrate the race, let’s remember the Alaska Native heritage woven through every step and story on this mountain.