BRR BER Challenge

🍂 BRR-BER Fall Challenge
October 1 – December 1 | 2-Month Virtual Fitness Challenge

Don’t let shorter days, chilly temperatures, or the Fall blues keep you from moving! The BRR-Ber Challenge is a fun, flexible, multi-sport fitness challenge designed to keep you active and motivated throughout the Fall.

Your mission is simple: choose a time goal and accumulate as many active minutes as you can from October 1 through December 1.

Move Your Way
There are no required distances, workouts, or specific sports. You choose how you want to move, and every active minute counts!

Log minutes from activities such as:

🏃 Running & walking
🥾 Hiking
🚴 Cycling
🏊 Swimming
🏋️ Strength training & fitness classes
🎾 Pickleball
⛷️ Cross-country skiing
🛶 Kayaking & paddleboarding
And anything else that gets you moving!
Choose Your Challenge
Pick the goal that best fits your lifestyle and fitness level:

These are simply averages to help you plan. You don't have to be active every day, and you can make up minutes whenever it works for you.

Track Your Progress & Stay Motivated
Throughout the challenge, you'll be able to log your activity, track your progress toward your goal, earn virtual badges, and see how you stack up on the daily leaderboard.

Invite your friends, challenge your family, and find your motivation to keep moving—even when the days get dark and the weather gets chilly!

Race Duration Commitment if you begin on October 1st:

20hours = 2.3hrs/wk OR 20minutes/day

30hours = 3.5hrs/wk OR 30minutes/day

40hours = 4.7hrs/wk OR 40minutes/day

60hours = 7hrs/wk OR 60minutes/day

80hours = 9.3hrs/wk OR 80minutes/day

120hours = 14hrs/wk OR 120minutes/day

You will have the ability to log your minutes, track your progress, collect virtual badges, and see how you rank up to others on the leader board daily.  Invite your friends for a discount and to challenge you to stay motivated, beat the darkness and fight the Fall blues! 

Our application is now closed. We will reopen  again in late August 2027.

 

ABOUT OUR AMBASADOR PROGRAM:

 Hoping to apply? We are looking for athletes that are highly involved on our Trifecta Fitness Challenge Private Facebook group through supporting others but also through inspiration, real life, and positive posts that help encourage others to get active! 

 

Ambassador Benefits:
Complimentary entry into all 3 virtual challenges
Ambassador apparel package
Featured on our website

What does a Trifecta Fitness Ambassador do?
Ambassadors help spread the word about our virtual challenges to their community!

Ambassadors should be:
We’re looking for passionate, active people who love to run, hike, bike, swim, ski, or simply embrace an active lifestyle. No matter your pace, experience level, size, shape, background, or where you are in your fitness journey—everyone is welcome here!
Outgoing and friendly people that believe in inclusivity of all types of people
Able to make a one-10 months commitment (September-June)

One-Year Commitment Includes:
Active on personal social media accounts posting about the Trifecta Fitness Challenge
Active on our private Trifecta Fitness Challenge Facebook group & Instagram page
Involvement with local clubs to help spread the word about our fitness challenges
Engage with first timers in the Facebook group
Help at Trifecta Fitness Challenge events, if local (Solstice Tree Tour, Swag pickup events, medal pickup events)

Tina Torun
Anchorage, Alaska

Hi everyone, I am Tina! I have been involved with the RAAWC since the beginning and am honored to be an ambassador again! I am a runner and very involved in the community. You will see me at local races, either running or volunteering. This year, I have had a few setbacks, coming back from injury, and the Trifecta Fitness Challenge always keeps me motivated to stay active. I like to inspire and motivate others to get outside to enjoy our state. I enjoy meeting other racers in the community and stay connected with my friends from out of state as well. 
My long term goal is to run a half or full in all 50 states, so far 40 states and counting. I have run 93 half marathons and 17 marathons. Hopefully, by next year I will have done 100 half marathons. My team name is Team Ididarun and we welcome all that want to join us!

You don't have to run. Let's go!

 

Fiona Taylor
Snoqualmie, Washington

I am so excited to be an ambassador again this year! I love the motivation everyone brings during the winter months. My favorite is the incredible camaraderie that develops and so much positivity! I am always amazed and inspired by our ambassadors and the beautiful community that has been created through the race across Alaska! I’m from Alaska and grew up in Anchorage. I currently live in Snoqualmie WA and get outdoors as often as I can for biking, hiking, skiing! Of course I love Hawaii and return to AK several times a year for mountains. Thank you for allowing me to be an ambassador again this year. You all give me so much happiness.

 

Carey Quiring
Palmer, Alaska

Hi! I’m Carey and I’ve been a participant in the Race Across Alaska from the beginning. Now I’ve been an ambassador for a few years.
I’ve always been a seasonal runner and Race Across Alaska inspired me to keep moving during the winter months. With the continued training in the off season I have been able to pursue ultra running (any distance over 26.2 miles). The longest I’ve run has been a 100k (62.137 miles). On Oct. 3 I will be stepping up to the start line of a 100 mile race. My goal is to cross the finish line. Who knows what the next goal may be. I just know that the Trifecta Fitness will help me to accomplish my goals.
Looking forward to all the miles ahead and hopefully some will be with you!
Join my team: Team Snow Patrol

 

Suzanne Bassett
North Pole, Alaska

Hi, my name is Suzanne. 

I live in the Fairbanks area with my wife and 2 kids (4+6 yr old boys).  Life gets busy between work life and family life - so I love having the Trifecta Fitness Challenge as a way to keep me motivated and accountable to myself. I see workouts as ME time - sometimes this is solo me time, intentional 1:1 time with good friends, or bigger groups for social interaction with adults.  All of these make me a better me and in turn a more focused employee, a better momma, and a more supportive wife.  

I’m hoping to do a lot of my minutes and miles outside this year (🤞 for a warmer winter!) but when weather forces me inside I turn to the warm pool at Alaska Club and the Zwift community. 

I’m looking forward to being an ambassador this year and hosting team #AdventurousM&M’s to find adventure in all the minutes and miles.

 

Misty Holacka

Fairbanks, Alaska

Heeeyyyy all!!! I am Misty- I’m in Fairbanks! This is my third year being an ambassador for the trifecta series and my fourth year doing the race across Alaska! I love doing this because it keeps me accountable during the winter months and helps me beat the dark day blues as well as motivating others to get active for their own physical and mental health.

 

Lael Oldmixon

Fairbanks, Alaska

Hey, I'm Lael! I have been a lifelong fitness enthusiast, but I would not call myself an athlete. I have two teens and two dogs. My partner, Mark, is an outdoor enthusiast and serves as my number one source of motivation. A few years ago, he encouraged me to switch from my decade of long-distance running to cycling and convinced me to become a cycling instructor with him. I love the cardio without the impact on my hips and knees! This is my third year as an ambassador in the Trifecta Challenge. I love a good goal, especially when I can reach it with friends. This winter, I plan to teach indoor cycling on T, W, TH, and supplement with dog walks, cross-country skiing, and fat biking.

Nyssa Russell
Kodiak, Alaska

Hello from Kodiak!

I am so excited to be joining as an Ambassador this year! I participated in the Race Across Alaska challenge last winter with a group of girlfriends and immediately fell in love with the spirit of these challenges. I live in Kodiak with my husband, two small kiddos, and two adventurous pups - all who motivate me to be the healthiest version of myself. I am a firm believer that movement in ANY form is the best gift we can give ourselves. It is not selfish to prioritize your physical and mental health! That is why I am so incredibly excited for the opportunity to inspire others to join these challenges. The joy of movement is contagious. 

I love to lift heavy weights (because strong is beautiful!), run anywhere and everywhere, hike mountains and trails with my pups, explore the beauty Alaska has to offer with my family, and inspire others to find joy in movement.

Team Name: Type 2 Fun

Sarah Sandbak
Anchorage, Alaska

Hi - I am Sarah and this is my first year as an ambassador.  

I live in Anchorage with my husband and four cats. The cats provided my team name - Got the Zoomies!  For the non-fur parents out there - zoomies usually happen at 3 a.m. when a cat (or 2) decides to race around the house for no apparent reason. This can also happen at other times of day, but the 3 a.m. run appears to be mandatory. 😻

My goal with the trifecta challenge this year is to try and harness some of that energy for myself. I have participated in RAAWC several times, but last year was the first time that I fully embraced it. My goal is to carry that determination into this year’s challenge. 

My main forms of exercise are hitting the trails to run/walk and my trusty stationary bike. I found that both help me keep my physical and mental health in balance and deal with the stress that life throws at me. 

Looking forward to seeing you on the trails!

 

Jessie Lavoie
Anchorage, Alaska

Hello there! I'm Jessie Lavoie and this year I am an Trifecta Fitness Challenge Ambassador, so excited! You may recognize me from my day job, CEO for YWCA Alaska, where I empower women and all able bodies to take up space and build community. This challenge dove tails nicely into our day to day work!
 
I have participated in this challenge for four years, finding it was just what I needed to stay active through our brr months. Having something like the Trifecta Fitness Challenge is that catalyst of accountability and fun! Join my team, Bad Apples!

 

This year's shirt is an awesome lattice material synthetic quarter zip long sleeve PLUS you'll receive a finisher medal that is part of our 3-piece Trifecta Challenge. 

Here is a VIDEO about this year's race shirt.

This is the 2025 BRR BER Challenge medal! 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
 

Q: What happens if I want to join after October 1st?
A: You can still sign up still! Registration is open until December 1st, the last day of the race. You are able to backlog your minutes for the days you weren't with us. For example, if you joined us on December 1st, simply login to your profile and log the minutes for October 1st through December 1st. 

 

Q: How does this Virtual Challenge work?
A: Each day from October 1st through December 1st you have the opportunity to go for a run/walk/bike/swim/lift weights/yoga or OTHER (you can label anything else that you can accumulate minutes such as hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, playing pickle ball, etc.). All you have to do in this challenge is log your minutes under your profile! 

 

Q: Does this race support anything? 
A: YES! All of Turnagain Training's challenges donate $10 for every participant to Alaskan non-profits that help support physical activity for Alaskans. Additionally, the BRR-Ber Challenge supports the future of Turnagain Training, a business that offering Summer Triathlon Camps, youth triathlon team and races for Alaskan kids, ages 3-17yrs old. 

 

Q: Can I participate in this race from another country?
A: YES! We welcome you from where ever you are and would love it if you joined! Please note, if you are outside of the USA there will be an added shipping charge. If you're unable to register, please email raawc@turnagaintraining.com so we can include your country in the approved list to allow your access to join! 

 

Q: Can I just walk the challenge?
A: Absolutely, walkers are definitely welcome to participate in this challenge and a large part of our event are walkers and hikers! This is a multi-sport challenge, so you can do any form of exercise, just pay attention to how many minutes you should log. Use the challenge as motivation to stay active! 

 

Q: Can I count my daily steps?
A: We encourage you to log only exercise specific times. This means you planned to walk, run, etc. and not just time you cleaned your house and called it your exercise time, sorry! The goal is to motivate yourself to exercise more anyhow, right?! But if steps is what truly motivates you and what matters to you, count them. This 2month challenge is about better yourself and only you can determine what physical activity and mental health means to you! 

 

Q: What are the durations?
A: 20hours, 30hours, 40hours, 50hours, 75hours, 100hours. You pick the duration that works best for you! 

 

Q: How does the team component work? 
A: Everyone on the team is an individual but you'll also be on a team leaderboard if you join a team where you are working together to get the highest time possible. The key is for everyone on your team to focus on a duration because the teams are separate teams for every duration in the results. Ex: if you have 5ppl in the 20hour challenge but 1 in the 100hour challenge. The 20hour team might be doing well in team ranking but your 100hour team will struggle because there is only one person adding up mileage. We no longer have a RELAY option, it was too confusing to have a team component and a relay event, sorry! The point of the team is a way to motivate one another and try to get the most amount of miles total done first. On the results page there will be a team page that shows total miles that your team has completed, which in theory will help motivate everyone on your team to reach their distance goal! We encourage strong leadership skills ;) We will have a prize for the BIGGEST team!

Q: Do I need a GPS watch/tracker, or Strava? Will I need to show my watch or device for proof of running, walking, biking, swimming, or yoga?
A: You can use one if you wish but it's not required, you really just need to know how much time you spent exercising. Strava has a free app and you can join our club, Turnagain Training, to join others to track the progress of everyone and keep everyone motivated. 

 

Q: If I complete the 20hour Challenge and want to switch to the 40hour Challenge, can I? (And Vice Versa)
A: NO! We are no longer offering the option to transfer from one event to another once the race has begun. Though, we will mail you the highest challenge duration medal that you complete at the end. 

 

Q: What will I receive by doing this challenge? When will I receive my swag?
A: All participants automatically receive a long sleeve quarter zip shirt for signing up! You also can go into your race profile and print out the virtual bib before the race to share with others during race kickoff day! During the race you'll also receive virtual badges for completing race percentages and special mile marker badges! In addition, those who complete their challenge will earn an awesome finisher medal with the race duration on the back on the medal! Shirt orders will go in on October 2nd & October 15th and racers can anticipate 3-5wks for delivery from the order date. All racers that sign up after October 15th will receive shirt sizing in a first to sign up, first served basis with limited sizing available. Medals will be engraved AFTER the BRR Ber Challenge is complete, on December 1st. Racers can anticipate 2-4wks for delivery.

 

Q: Are the shirts unisex or gender specific?
A: Gender specific! We will have a men's and women's shirt option available during checkout for each racer! Our shirts are purchased through Leslie Jordan. 

 

Q: How will I receive my swag?
A: Swag will be mailed out to all racers. If we have enough sign-ups in an area we will consider hosting a swag pick-up event!

 

Q: If I complete the challenge early, will I get my medal upon completion?
A: No, we will mail out all medals at the conclusion of the challenge date, which is December 1st but racers can anticipate +/- 3-5weeks from the last day of the challenge.

 

Q: Can I create or join a team after I have registered?
A: YES! We love to see friends and families encouraging each other. You'll go back into your profile > Manage Registration > Teams > add a team.

 

Q: Can I register for more than one event?
A: You can if you wanted to change events. We no longer are transferring events for racers as it caused too many issues with shipping swag but it's truly not necessary. We will mail you a medal with the furthest minutes challenge completed on the back, no matter which even you're signed up for.

 

Q: Is it true, we can no longer transfer from one race to another?
A: CORRECT! The event you sign up for is the event you'll stay in for the entire race, unless you decide to sign up for a 2nd event. We really want to encourage racers to commit to a duration and challenge themselves to get to the finish line of that race. 

 

Q: How do the results work? How is everyone being ranked? Will the winner be “the winner” based on time or distance, who finishes first?
A: Results are ranked by who has the greatest time within your challenge (20hrs, 40hrs, etc). Additionally, tiebreakers are determined by the first racer to the 25% milestone. Most importantly, this challenge is about getting from A to B and pushing your self physically while seeing how others are doing. There are no prizes for "winning", aside from self pride and a finisher medal! 

 

Q: Do we earn rewards for referring friends?
A: YES! But, they must use your personal referral link. The link was emailed to you but you can also find it under your "My Profile" then "Manage Registration". The more times your share on social media, the higher likelyhood you'll get $$ back. Every 3 referrals = $15 back to you, directly via your credit card. PLUS, you'll win by having friends to help motivate you, make it more fun and hold you accountable to the challenge! 

 

Q: How do I see how many referrals I have?
A: You can see who used your referral link by going to Runsignup > Login > My Profile > Under BRR BER Challenge in the Upcoming Events list you'll click on "Manage Registration". On the left side you'll see an option to click on "Rewards". Under there you'll see how many referrals you've received.

 

Q: My friend signed up for the race because I told her to but they forgot to use my referral code. Can I still get referral credit? 
A: No. Unfortunately, that's on your friend to use your referral code, sorry! 

 

Q: Can you tell me more about the shirt sizing?
A: Sure, they're Leslie Jordan tri-blend long sleeve hooded shirts, 100% polyester long sleeve quarter zip shirts. 

Men's and women sizing fits true to size. 

**Please note that shirt style and color may change, based on availability. Supply chain shortage is an issue races are experiencing as well.

Sizing Chart coming soon!

 

Q: Can I change my shirt size?
A: Yes. As long as the monthly deadline hasn’t passed (October 2nd, November 3rd). You can do this by heading into your Runsignup profile > Manage Registration> Giveaways. 

 

Q: How do I submit my virtual results?
A: There are several ways to submit virtual results. Check out our "How to Submit Results" tab under "Results". 

 

Q: I entered an activity incorrectly.  How can I edit or delete the activity?
A: You go under your results page where you see every workout you've completed in your "Activity Log". To the left of the trash can is a pencil where you can click on and edit results that were mis-entered. You can also delete results by hitting the trash can.

 

Q: I see people posting pictures of where they are on the map. How do I do that?
A: Enter your name in the search field HERE. You'll see your map, trophy's and activity log there. 

 

Q: Are there any awards for this challenge?
A: There are no awards for this challenge (simply because there is no verification system). However, we might have some fun door prizes for social media shared selfies, first to get to certain milestones, and we might make a friendly team competition (based on challenge completion percentage and not total miles).

 

Q: How do I get my digital race bib?
A: You can find your digital bib by logging into Runsignup, clicking Profile, under Upcoming Races you'll see BRR BER Challenge, on the right hand side you'll see "View Digital Bib" where you can print and show off on social media! 

 

Q. How do I refer people and get referral refunds?
A: 1. Register.

2. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a unique referral link. You can copy and past this link from (a) your confirmation page screen at the end of your registration, (b) your confirmation email, (c)  you can resend your confirmation email from you Runsignup account and get the link.

3. Get 3 friends to sign up using your unique referral link and you will automatically receive up to a refund of $15.00, refunded to your credit card. 

4. Get 6 friends to sign up and you get an additional $15 more!

5. Get 9 friends to sign up and you get $15 more! And onward..... 

RULES:

The referral has to signup with your unique referral link. You cannot email us "after the fact for credit" saying "i referred someone and ask for them to be added to your total.
It has to be 10 unique transactions. AKA.. Any combo of 10 solo registrations and/or 10 team registrations.
The RunSignup system automatically keeps track and refunds the first $15-$45 automatically. You can receive a maximum of $75 back in refunds, 15 referrals.

Q. Does it make sense to sign-up everyone at the same time in my family or on my team?
A: YES! Register 4 or more friends, family, staff, and/or colleagues in one transaction and everyone saves $5 on their registration PLUS you only pay 1 service charge! 

 

Lastly, before reaching out to us, check out at https://help.runsignup.com or by clicking on the help button on any dashboard page

 

Don't see your question answered here? Shoot us an email, heather.helzer@turnagaintraining.com

How do I submit my workouts?
Here are the detailed instructions on how you'll submit your results once they become available to submit on 10/1/2024 through 12/1/2024. We ask that all racers submit results at minimum once per week to keep the results page +/- 7 days of training accurate. Ideally, you would submit results within the day of completing a workout but we understand life is chaotic right now for many. Safari is also the best option for logging results, if that's an option for you. 

Below are the steps you'll need to take. The pictures follow along with the steps. 

STEP 1: Login to Runsignup via www.BRRBERChallenge.com

 STEP 2: Go to RESULTS on the homepage

STEP 3: Go to the Submit Virtual Results 

STEP 4: Enter your name race registration first & last name OR email & DOB.

 

 

STEP 5: Click on "Log Activities" under your name.

STEP 6: Submit your results manually! 

Note: You can upload activities from a file such as a smart watch (top right corner of the window)

Note: You can go to "Add Another Activity" before submitting results to add more than 1 workout.

Note: This is my example below.

Step 7: SUCCESS!!!! The workout is added!

 

Excited to see everyone achieve their goals over the next 2 months!

Sincerely,

Heather Helzer

Race Director

What is it? 

The Trifecta Fitness Challenge is a 3 challenge event designed to keep athletes moving October 1st thru June 15th. We've recognized that many athletes are often struggling during these darker, colder (cooler) months and we wanted to make a special way to keep everyone active. We recognize how big of a piece physical fitness is to your mental health and we see how many people struggle with mental health during these colder months. These 3 challenges allow all kind of athlete to log their minutes/miles with an objective without the added stress an in-person physical event often has on individuals. We notice that often challenge athletes are those that are competitive in an intrinsic form though they love the motivation our leaderboards, weekly newsletter, private social media group and swag give them as far as being apart of something big.

All racers that sign-up for all 3 challenge events by November 15th will receive this Trifecta Challenge ring FOR FREE. After November 15th, there will be a limited quantity of rings available yearly for purchase at a first to purchase, first served basis but once they're gone, they're gone! 

Learn more about the Race Across Alaska Winter Challenge, December 21st through March 20th. 

Learn more about the Forget-Me-Not Challenge, April 15th through June 15th. 

Here is a VIDEO about this year's race shirt. 

20 hr Challenge: Quarter Zip Long Sleeve + Finisher Medal

30 hour Challenge: Quarter Zip Long Sleeve + Finisher Medal

40 hr Challenge: Quarter Zip Long Sleeve + Finisher Medal

60 hr Challenge: Quarter Zip Long Sleeve + Finisher Medal

80 hr Challenge: Quarter Zip Long Sleeve + Finisher Medal

120 hr Challenge: Quarter Zip Long Sleeve + Finisher Medal