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Mt. Marathon Race Point Summit Cache. Traditional Cache

Hidden : 10/15/2005
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
4.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This screw-top container is hidden near the turnaround point for the Mount Marathon Race, but should be just private enough to allow logging out of sight of the frequent visitors to this famous view spot. Don't let it roll away!

The cache has room for small trade items, and has been started out with some great booty for the lucky mountain cachers: An Alaska Geocoin; USPO Greetings from Alaska pin; City of Seward pin; Kenai Fjords National Park Junior Ranger pin; Spring Creek Correctional Center prison token; Mt. McKinley bench mark patch; Canadian Looney coin; pewter penquin pin; green plastic frog; red pinch light; and two polished stones.
The Mount Marathon Race from downtown Seward to Race Point and back to town has been run for 78 years! It's the 2nd oldest foot race in North America, after only the Boston Marathon. It follows a trail that was developed by early pioneers and used by local youth who would wait to be the first to spot the approach of an Alaska Steamship arriving with supplies and mail. They would run down to spread the word, and fast runners soon got competition going. Every 4th of July hundreds of Alaskan hardmen, and ladies, test themselves against this 3022' scramble, with the fastest time record of 43 minutes 11 seconds. Anyone who has made the trip up and back knows that represents an almost superhuman effort.
The trail is rocky and steep, so bring gloves, windbreaker, water, and a camera. Allow at least 3 hours roundtrip if you are in good shape. Eagles, ptarmigan, mountain goats, and black bears are often seen.
This cache is dedicated to the memory of Ben and Lucile Faust, who loved this mountain. They met in Seward and spent their lives teaching their children to love the land. Their ashes were placed near Race Point and their spirits will always be present.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)