Race to Alaska Podcast

The Race to Alaska will hold its 8th edition in 2024, continuing with its 750-mile course from Port Townsend, WA to Ketchikan, AK. And now there is a podcast series prior to the June 9 start. This final episode of the 2024 pre-season heralds the return of Team Malolo, spurned by the logs of 2022 and looking for vengeance, as well as newcomer Mr. X—R2AKing in one of the toughest ways possible.

Team Malolo
Twice spurned by the logs of R2AK, the trimaran Dragon is back for more abuse. Can they fend off the forest and finally take the cash?

Team Mr. X
Solo racer Xia Huang is the latest person to decide that R2AK-ing in a Hobie Tandem Island Kayak is a brilliant idea. We think it’s the nautical equivalent of entering the Iditarod with a chihuahua. But if anybody can mush the TI to glory, it might be this guy. Read our interview with Mr. X on their team page.

Race details: https://r2ak.com/

The 8th edition of the Race to Alaska (R2AK) returns again in 2024 for the 750 mile course from Port Townsend, WA to Ketchikan, AK.

Stage 1: The Proving Ground – June 9 start
Port Townsend, WA to Victoria, BC (40 miles)

R2AK starts with an initial jaunt across open water, two sets of shipping lanes, and an international border. While not a race in itself, the Proving Ground is designed as a qualifier for the full race and as a stand-alone 40 mile sprint for people who just want to put their toe in.

Stage 2: To the Bitter End – June 12 start
Victoria, BC to Ketchikan, AK (710 miles)

Racers start in Victoria at high noon and continue until they reach Ketchikan—or are tapped out by the sweep boat. Unlike the 2022 and 2023 races, the western side of Vancouver Island is no longer an option as the course has returned to the original format with two waypoints at Seymour Narrows and Bella Bella.