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This year is so pivotal because run organizers say if the race is not a success it could end.
And a few year's ago Craig Harpel, a local broadcast community giant, took over as race director. His family started "Heart" radio, and were the founders of the local ABC station.
Harpel's true love was always community service. Ironically that started with the American Cancer Society. Harpel took over the men's cancer run, right before he learned he had prostate cancer.
"He was very ill," says Craig's wife Janyce. "Didn't even tell me that he was ill. Craig was going to do it his way. And when the urologist called us to tell us Craig you really need to start chemo, Craig and I were doing Mt. Marathon."
At that point, Craig was already in stage four of prostate cancer.
"And we tried everything. We really did," Janyce says.
By December 2004, Craig had passed. That's when his family decided to make sure his memory never
"We got together. Had a little family meeting. And Christian said I really want to do this mom. Whenever he goes out to run," Janyce says as she pauses and starts to cry.
That is when Simon asks Harpel, "It's like his dad is there?"
Janyce says, "Yeah. He's a pretty special kid."
Christian took over as director, and Janyce as president, with the goal of fund raising to help all Alaska men be prostate and testicular cancer aware; and help those impacted by the disease.
"We have been able to touch so many families in this community through the funds we've raised. We give a lot of grants," Janyce says.
Despite all that, the Alaska Men's Run numbers have fallen alarmingly low. Organizers are calling this a cross roads year that will determine the race's future.
"A little bit of our fear I think," Janyce says as she lets out a sigh. "I really feel men need to start talking about their health, and talking with their families and making a difference."
This year, in an effort to save the race, the Alaska Men's Run has revamped their image. Asking a simple question: who will you run for?
"We really want to make it family oriented and get the whole family there to run and to hold hands and to talk about it. And it's OK," Janyce says.
Making sure you know the statistics: cancer will impact one out of every two men. Prostate cancer checks should start at age 40. And men need to start monthly self-testicular cancer checks when they're 15.
It is a message the Alaska Men's Run board feels is too important to die.
"I hope it goes on forever. and I hope this year is just a knock out."
But it will be up to the community to determine if the message, and really a part of Craig Harpel, lives on.
"I'm sure there's got to be a handful of men, each year when this comes about, that step up and say wow we need to talk to someone. Or step up and say wow this is really important," Janyce says.
To sign up and participate in the Alaska Men's Run just visit their website.
