The U.S. National Championships at Kincaid Park in Anchorage are always an exciting time for athletes and spectators alike. This year, however, the drama on the first day of racing had less to do with the athletes’ performances and more to do with a moose and her calf who decided to make an unexpected appearance on the ski trail.
While the men’s and women’s races were thrilling, with victories decided by less than 15 seconds, it was the moose encounter that truly stole the show. Volunteers and coaches faced a tense situation as they tried—unsuccessfully—to prevent the moose from crossing the racecourse. The event took place on a downhill stretch near the end of the 5-kilometer race loop, where the animals wandered right into the path of the athletes.
Moose vs. Skiers: The Ultimate Wildlife Standoff
Jeremy Littell, one of the volunteers working to keep the moose at bay, found himself armed with only a megaphone in a futile attempt to move the large mammals off the trail. “If it had been a high school race, I think we probably would have said, ‘You know what? We need to send no more new people out on course for a bit — we’ll figure it out later,’” Littell said. But this was no ordinary race; this was the senior national championship, with much more at stake for the athletes.
Despite the drama, the moose and athletes ultimately managed to avoid any injury. However, the close encounter led to at least two women in the 10-kilometer race experiencing some hair-raising moments. One of those moments was caught on video, showcasing Littell’s increasingly frantic attempts to clear the course, with the moose lingering just off to the side as racers swerved to avoid them.
A Tradition of Moose Encounters in Anchorage
Although this event might have been a surprise to outsiders, it’s nothing new for Anchorage. The city’s cross-country ski trails often pass through areas where moose are known to roam. The willows and alders lining these trails are a favorite food for the animals, and they often wander across the paths where skiers train. As such, moose encounters have become a sort of tradition in Anchorage athletics, especially for cross-country skiing.
For the athletes, the experience was something of a “welcome to Alaska” moment. Swedish skier Tilde Bångman, who was competing for the University of Colorado Boulder’s ski team, was among those who narrowly dodged the moose. Though she lost valuable seconds in the race, she took it all in stride, acknowledging that wild animals can’t be controlled. “They live there. And we get to race in their habitat,” Bångman said. “You can’t control a wild animal.”
Balancing Competitive Spirit and Respect for Wildlife
As much as the moose disrupted the race, there was a sense of understanding and mutual respect between the athletes and the wildlife. Coaches and competitors alike recognized that the moose were simply doing what moose do: living in their natural habitat. The incident, while unsettling, underscored the reality of racing in a place where wildlife is just as much a part of the landscape as the trails themselves.
“I don’t think anyone is blaming the moose,” said one coach, highlighting the cooperative atmosphere among everyone involved. “This is their home, and we’re just here passing through.”
What Happens Next?
In the aftermath of the moose’s brief but dramatic appearance, race organizers and volunteers were quick to resume the competition. Fortunately, no further interruptions occurred, and the athletes were able to finish the race safely. For the moose, it was just another day in the life of Anchorage’s wild residents. For the athletes, it was a reminder of the unique challenges that come with competing in a city surrounded by nature.
Though the moose momentarily stole the spotlight, the competition itself remained fierce. As the races continued, athletes remained focused on their goal: winning the national title. But for those who encountered the moose on the course, the memory of that brief but heart-pounding moment would linger long after the race was over.
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