On May 23rd ACWA hosted the 5th Chilkat Challenge Triathlon in S.E. Alaska. More than 90 people registered for the ~40-mile paddle/bike/run in and alongside the Chilkat River. The 9-mile paddle takes racers past the ancient (and still active) Lingit Village of Klukwan and through the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The 21-mile bike ride down the Haines Highway follows the river into Fort Seward in the town of Haines. The 5.5-mile run continues alongside the river and finishes the race at beautiful Letnikof Cove. Winning times for men and women were ~3.5 hours. An awards banquet followed the race and everyone was treated to a great dinner while the top finishers in the women’s solo, men’s solo and team categories received prizes donated by Patagonia, REI, and other outdoor gear stores and companies.
The Chilkat River still has runs of all five species of wild salmon and the area is known worldwide for having the largest gathering of eagles on Earth. ACWA began hosting the race in 2017 to celebrate the Chilkat River and everything it provides to the entire region, food – employment – culture – recreation, and to shine a light on the threat this world-class ecosystem is facing from the potential development of the Palmer Copper/Zinc Project in the Upper Chilkat Valley, which is opposed by the Tribe and a majority of local residents.
For more information on the Chilkat Challenge Triathlon and ACWA’s efforts to protect the Chilkat River and Valley from the Palmer Project, go to www.chilkatchallengetriathlon.com.
I appreciated seeing people come together to support and participate in the race. It was encouraging to see families, friends, and visitors enjoying the event while celebrating our community. These kinds of gatherings help build relationships and create lasting memories.
- David Strong Jr., Chilkat Indian Village Tribal Council and CCT guest speaker
The Chilkat Challenge Triathlon is an incredibly fun community event, the kind that bridges borders and helps build that larger sense of community. I’ve done a lot of triathlons all over the world and the CCT is right at the top as far as the fun factor goes, along with being really well run. What could be more rewarding than getting to do a race in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. If participation can help in a small way to protect this area and the fish and wildlife then count me in for hopefully many years to come!
- John Berryman, Whitehorse, multi-year CCT entrant, 2026 winner – men’s solo category
