Running with the Reindeer
This afternoon was the 2nd annual Fur Rondy Running of the Reindeer - the Alaskan take on Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls. I have to say, I like our Running of the Reindeer - a flat out fun, festive, and hilarious spectacle. Plus no one gets trampled. Although those antlers are very pointy.
The setup is pretty simple - 2000 runners are divided into herds (groups) of “Guys”, “Gals”, “Couples”, and “Groups”. I was a solo entrant, so I ran in “Herd 2 - Gals.” A herd is moved up to the starting line and the reindeer are placed behind the herd. The finish line is two blocks away and is well baited with lots of reindeer snacks and treats. There is a countdown from 10 to 1 and at 1 everyone - people and reindeer - take off. The reindeer quickly slalom their way through the runners and zoom down to the other end where their goodies await. It’s all over in about two minutes - the reindeer finish in about 30 seconds, it takes a bit longer for the rest of us.
Downtown was absolutely mobbed - there were 2000 of us runners and probably 3000 spectators. I think Running with The Reindeer may pack in more spectators than the Iditarod.
In the space of two months, I’ve swum with the Manatees and Run with the Reindeer. Two major life list items checked off! 
Kathy and me milling about in the staging area.
One of the reindeer being led through the crowd.
Those antlers are very pointy.
Just before the start of the Herd 2 heat.
Da Ski Boy took this picture of the reindeer zooming down 4th Avenue.
Triumphant at the Finish Line.
Hello. I am 
Alaskans are nuts. But in the good way. And you do look happy.
That looks like so much fun. What’s with the bulls eye targets? Alaska’s version of Fluorescent Orange?
I think you expressed some unique opinions in this post. It’s nice to see the enthusiasm is still strong amounst some people. Will be back again shortly.