Press Release from the K300 Race Committee
The Kuskokwim 300 race will have new management for the upcoming race season. Current manager Zach Fansler and his assistant Christina Garvey will be leaving their jobs May 1st, and longtime volunteer Madelene Reichard will take over as manager. Her term starts April 1st, with a thirty day overlap for transition. This change comes at a time of great loss for the race after the recent death of 15 year board member Gary Vanasse. “We are very fortunate that a person like Madi came along at this time of need,” race chairman Myron Angstman stated. He noted Reichard has been involved with the race from a very young age, getting her start by growing up around the Klejka family and their dog operation in her neighborhood. She started as a volunteer at an early age, with increasing duties over the years. Reichard is eager to start. “The K300 is a terrific organization that incorporates volunteers and sponsorship from around the state of Alaska. I am extremely excited to be a part of its continued growth and success,” she noted.
Fansler has been the Manager for the past five years and Garvey has been the Assistant Race Manager for the past three years and they have greatly enjoyed their time with the organization. “During the past five years we have worked hard to support not only the K300 but the entire sport of mushing across the YK Delta. We have worked to expand purses, attract new mushers and continue to foster our relationship between our race, our fans, and our sponsors,” said Fansler. “There have been five years of unbelievable memories and I look forward to future success and continued involvement with the K300.” Fansler will continue to be Math Faculty at the Kuskokwim Campus for the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Garvey’s future plans are undecided at the moment. Both Fansler and Garvey are appreciative of all of the volunteers, sponsors, and Board members who dedicated so much time to the success of the K300 and hope to remain active in their support in the future.
Fansler’s tenure has been marked by significant weather challenges for the race. For example, this year only one race featured adequate snow, yet all of the races have been held with the exception of the kids’ race, which may happen Friday depending on the weather in the next few days. The K300 has already announced purse increases for all of its races for the upcoming season.