Anchorage, Alaska (Fourth Avenue)
My Race Plan for the Running of the Reindeer
In Anchorage, people in costumes race a herd of reindeer down Fourth Avenue. The reindeer have four legs each. I had a plan.
Anchorage’s Running of the Reindeer was held for the 18th time this year. Runners in costumes race a herd of reindeer along three and a half blocks of Fourth Avenue, and the crowd was nearly as big as the one for the Iditarod’s start. I had a plan.
My Strategy
- The costume. Antlers. The reindeer will think I’m their leader and follow me.
- The start. Stand at the very front. Look confident. Reindeer respect confidence.
- The middle. If a reindeer passes me, it’s because I allowed it.
- The finish. Cross the line first, or with the reindeer, which looks the same in a photo.
What Happened
The runners go in groups, and each group gets its own herd. I stood at the front of mine, in my antlers, looking very confident.
Then the reindeer were let go. They didn’t look at me once. They had no interest in my antlers or my confidence. About ten seconds later, they were far ahead, and I was next to a stand selling hot reindeer sausages, which felt awkward for everyone.
It turns out reindeer are much faster than antlers suggest. Next year I’ll ask to race in a group with sleepier reindeer. Or I’ll start at the finish line and wait for them there, which I’ve been told is called watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it like the running of the bulls?
It's Alaska's version, but friendlier. The reindeer are tame. They passed me very politely, without stopping.
What's Fur Rondy?
Anchorage's big winter festival, the Fur Rendezvous. It's been going since the 1930s. I've been going since Saturday.