Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Firefighter Challenge benefits local volunteer firefighters

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A unique new event has been created to raise money for the Chelan County District 3 Volunteer Firefighter’s Association. Modeled after the immensely popular Columbia Tower Stair Climb event Seattle, the Leavenworth Firefighter Challenge will put structural firefighters and wildland firefighters over a grueling six mile course in the mountains around Leavenworth, ultimately ending at Ski Hill.

“The event came about from our volunteer firefighter association. They’ve been looking for ways to do fundraisers for things that require special equipment or they do a lot of giving back to the community. They do a scholarship every year for a kid out of the high school,” said Kelly O’Brien, Chelan County Fire District 3 chief. “They were throwing ideas for a fundraiser to help support those initiatives and this is what they came up with.”

Chris Lubenow, the vice president for the Volunteer Firefighters Association, said they were looking for a way to unite the firefighter community and create some competition between the structure firefighters and wildland firefighters.

“Get everybody together for this race. Spring is a great time for an outdoor event in Leavenworth. Seemed like a good way to raise some funds. The proceeds from this event benefit our association and give use resources to invest in training and equipment,” Lubenow said.

Ski Hill made sense for the race, because it is near town, with parking. Then, at the end of the race, they could set up vendors for food and drink.

To race, the firefighters must don wildland firefighter gear, including a Nomex shirt, pants, helmet, gloves, required boots and a 25-pound pack.

“They actually start at Ranger Road, then go up Tumwater Mountain, across Rosey Boa then across the ridge where you could go into Freund Canyon and drop down into Ski Hill. You finish by hiking up to the old ski jump. That is where the finish line is,” O’Brien said.

The racers will gain 1,665 feet in elevation.

“I think it will be quite the challenge. We’re looking at this year as being our kickoff year. We’re learning a lot as we go. We want to do it this year and learn all about the stuff, make our mistakes, then next year, make it a better product,” O’Brien said. “A couple of our volunteers have done it. It is definitely going to be a challenge. There is still some snow up on top, which might make us make an adjustment on the trail. I think they are full go.”

There will be live music at the Ski Hill from Sergio and the Hoyer Brothers. All three breweries in town have donated beer for the event. Currently, there are 39 racers registered for the event.

“There will be last minute people. I would estimate 50 participants for the first year. It’s an event we’re hoping to grow into the future,” Lubenow said. “We’ll be documenting the event with photographers. We’re hoping to get a drone out there taking photos.”

Those who would like to tour the course, but not race, can do so, Lubenow said.

“We’ve recently opened it up to the public. For a $10 fee, if non-firefighters want to check out the course. We’re doing a fun run. If they want to hike and check out the course. They can do a fun run after the firefighters are clear,” Lubenow said.

Individual winners will be announced and also team winners. Lubenow said there could be teams of up to four people. O’Brien said they are getting help from the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club, Lion’s Club and others.

“We would like to have people around to see what it’s all about. We encourage people to go to Ski Hill. There’ll firefighting equipment. Should be a good place to hang out and watch the finishers,” O’Brien said. “There are a lot of portions of the race you are just not going to be able to see. We will have people scattered around the race course for aid stations and things like that.”

The race kickoffs at 11 a.m. at Ski Hill this Saturday, April 29. At noon, they will host the fun run. Those interested in competing in the race or fun should check out the website, lwffc.org.

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.

 

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