Seward, Alaska (July 12, 2018) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is hosting the 20th Annual 5K Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk on Saturday, July 28. The family-friendly race is a fundraiser to support the Center’s Wildlife Response Program. This has been another busy year for the program, which has received 157 distressed animal calls resulting in the admission of 8 patients: 3 sea otters, 3 ringed seals, 1 spotted seal, and 1 harbor seal. Tara Riemer, ASLC President and CEO, said “Wildlife response has been a key component of our mission work since our founding twenty years ago. While rewarding, it is also very intense, requiring 24-hour care from teams of dedicated staff. Over 80 percent of funding for the program comes from charitable donations. The Wildlife Rescue Run combines family fun with an opportunity for the public to become part of the team by running and supporting our work.” This year the run also has special significance because it takes place on Ted Stevens Day. The late Senator Stevens was a huge supporter and champion of the Alaska SeaLife Center, visiting the Center whenever he was in Seward. Representatives from the Ted Stevens Foundation will be present at the Wildlife Rescue Run encouraging all Alaskans to “Get Out and Play.” The 5K race route follows a generally flat course along the scenic Seward waterfront and is open to walkers and runners of all levels. The course offers beautiful views of Seward's Resurrection Bay and its neighboring mountainous peaks, and there's a good chance of seeing marine life along the way. Race participants are invited to register online via the link found at www.alaskasealife.org. Supporters who can’t be in Seward on race day can sign up to be a virtual runner. Race bibs will be available for pickup in the Alaska SeaLife Center atrium on July 28 from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. All participants will begin the race at 12:00 p.m. The presentation of race awards and drawings for the door prizes will be held at 2:00 p.m.
This year, supply donations for the Wildlife Response Program will be accepted at the Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk. Items utilized to support the rescue and rehabilitation of marine wildlife have been requested and a container will be available at the race to collect donated items. The list of items being accepted can be found at http://www.alaskasealife.org/how_you_can_help Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk program sponsors include BP, ConocoPhillips, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Silverton Mountain Guides, GCI, and Pet Zoo Alaska. Race sponsors include Alaska Serigraphics, Bright Road Wealth Management, Seward Family Dentistry – Dr. Michael Moriarty DDS, First National Bank Alaska, GraphicWorks, Nautilus Impact Investing, Metco, Petro 49, Seasalt Alaskan Grill & Bar, Seward Parks and Recreation Department, TelAlaska, Klondike Pizzeria, Kruzof, Safeway, Salmon Sisters, Seward Alehouse, Seward Properties, Skinny Raven Sports, Strabel Racing Services, Ted Stevens Foundation, The Cookery & Oyster Bar, and Woody's Thai Kitchen.
Questions and requests for high resolution photos may be directed to media@alaskasealife.org.