Forget-Me-Not Spring Challenge

Welcome to the 2027 Forget-Me-Not Spring Challenge hosted by Turnagain Training, founders of the Virtual Race Across Alaska Winter Challenge. 

CHALLENGE SPECIFICS: 
This is a Walk-Run-Bike-Swim-or whatever collects miles challenge! Our race distance totals are 75 miles, 150 miles, 300 miles, 500 miles, or 1000 miles. The goal is to log as many miles as you can over the 2 months of Spring to support a more physically active lifestyle.

If you start the challenge on April 15th:

75 miles = 1.2 miles/day
150 miles = 2.4 miles/day
300 miles = 4.8 miles/day
500 miles = 8.1 miles/day
1000 miles = 16.1 miles/day

You will have the ability to log your miles, track your progress, collect flower virtual badges, so how you rank up to others on the leader board daily! Invite other to this challenge to help you to stay motivated all Spring long! 

WHO: Anyone that is looking to stay active this Spring, by running, walking, biking, swimming or anything that allows you to collect as many miles as possible over the 2month challenge!

WHERE: Anywhere in the USA! You can run, walk, bike, swim or do anything that collects miles, indoors or outdoors! All you need is an odometer to determine your distance completed. This could be using an app like MapMyRun or Strava, or your Garmin or smart watch, or a bike computer for a few ideas on types of odometers. *If you are located outside of the USA and would like to join us, please email us to inquire about adding your country.

WHEN: The Challenge will start on April 15th and go through June 15th. 

WHAT: You'll run, walk or bike as much as possible from April 15-June 15th and log your miles at minimum 1x per week via our Runsignup virtual challenge results page. 

SWAG: All challenge participants will get a race t-shirt, socks, Forget-Me-Not seeds, Alaskan floral virtual badges along the way, a virtual race bib & a virtual finisher certificate plus a finisher medal with your distance on the back. We will donate $10 to the non-profit of your choice for every racer that signs up! 

REFERRAL DISCOUNT: Refer 3 friends to join in with you and receive $15 refund on your race entry!
1. Sign up.
2. After your registration is complete, you will receive a unique referral link to share with your friends, family or post on social media.
3. Get 3 friends to sign up using your unique referral link and you will automatically receive up to a refund of $15.00, reimbursed to the card you used for the race.
4. Get 6 friends to sign up & you'll get an additional $15!
5. Get 9 friends to sign up & you'll get $15 more! There is a cap refund of $60, or when you have reached a balance of $0.

COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT PARTNER: The Challenge is a fundraiser for 3 Alaskan non-profits this year. For every racer that participates in our Spring Challenge, we will donate $10 to the non-profit of your choice! 

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:
Passionate and active runners, hikers, bikers, swimmers, and/or xc skiers
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!

 

Q: How does this Virtual Challenge work?

A: Each day from April 15th till June 15th you have the opportunity to go for a run, walk, bike, hike, swim or any kind of movement you chose that logs miles. These can be done indoors or outdoors. Then head to your computer or phone and log your distance under your Runsignup profile, you'll see Current Races THEN Forget Me Not Challenge THEN click "Submit Virtual Results"! 

 

Q: Does this race support anything? Why is it more than a normal race?

A: YES! The Forget Me Not Challenge will donate $10 for every participant to the Alaska Trails, Anchorage Parks Foundation and MatSu Parks & Trails Foundation, which are all 501(c)(3) that help support physical activity for Alaskans. Additionally, the Forget Me Not Challenge supports the future of Turnagain Training, a business that offering Summer Triathlon Camps, a youth triathlon team and races for Alaskan kids, ages 3-17yrs old. 

 

Q: Can I just walk the challenge?

A: Absolutely, walkers are definitely welcome to participate in this challenge! This is a multi-sport challenge, so you can walk, run, bike, etc. to get in the miles to complete the distance race you have signed up to complete. Use the challenge as motivation to stay active! 

 

Q: Is this challenge for competitive athletes or beginners? 

A: Thats the cool thing about virtual challenges, there is a place for everyone! In our past challenge we have several hundred athletes that were walking only and found tons of motivation seeing other walkers pictures. We also have a hand full of competitive athletes that did the longest race and then some, but they were not intimidating. These challenges are truly a very welcoming, supportive community! 

Q: Can I count my daily steps?

A: No, 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?! 

 

Q: What are the distances?

A: 75miles, 150miles, 300miles, 500miles & 1000miles. You pick the distance that works best for you! 

 

Q: Do I need a GPS watch/tracker, or Strava? Will I need to show my watch or device for proof of running, walking, or biking?

A: You can use one if you wish but it's not required. 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. Unfortunately, Runsignup does not have a way to link up your device with Garmin, Suunto, etc. but you can upload GPS files when you go into "Submit Virtual Results".

 

Q: If I complete the 150 mile Challenge and want to switch to the 300 mile Challenge, can I? (And Vice Versa)

A: You are able to switch your race distance until the 1st day of the event. After April 15th we do not allow transfers to avoid duplication of racer results though we do mail you a medal with your furthest race distance on the backside, no matter how far or shorter you go. You'll need to complete 75 miles minimum or your race medal backside will be blank. 

 

Q: What will I receive by doing this challenge? When will I receive my swag?

A: All participants automatically receive custom a synthetic race t-shirt, finisher medal and bonus swag, all shipped directly to your home! 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! 

 

Q: Are the shirts unisex or gender specific?

A: Gender specific! We will have a mens and women's shirt option available during checkout for each racer! The shirt is athletic fit so, the garment will fit closer to the body then just a standard cut tee. 

 

Q: How will I receive my swag?

A: Our early bird order goes in March 1st to ensure we have it by the 1st day of the race. The goal is to ship early bird shirts out the 1st week of the challenge. Our 2nd order goes in April 22nd and will ship by May 15th. 

 

Q: Can I create or join a team after I have registered?

A: YES! We love to see friends and families encouraging each other. The captain of the team can add teammates, or feel free to email Heather@turnagaintraining.com if you need more help! 

 

Q: We want to be a team; Can we sign up individually & does start - destination need to be the same for all?

A: Every racer is racing individually, for themselves but by joining a team you are working to improve your team overall miles. Please note, you are not working as a team to finish a specific distance (this is not a relay format), you are working individually. Also, if your teammates decide to do different distances, that's ok, they just won't be able to work together to get the largest mileage, since the races are considered several different races within 1 race. Ex: If 5 racers are doing the 150 but you're doing the 300mile race, your total won't be combined into the 150mile team total. 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: Can I register for more than one event?

A: No. This is not necessary. You are able to transfer your registration to a shorter or longer distance if you decide you want to change your event, but you must do so by 4/14/2021 at 11:59pm. 

 

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 distance within your race (75mile, 150mile, etc.), time is just added so you can see at the end of the event how much time you've exercises but it is not factored into the ranking system. 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 t-shirt!

 

Q: Do we earn rewards for referring friends?

A: YES! But, they must use your personal referral link. The link was emailed to you.

 

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: Yes! You'll need to watch THIS video THEN email the race director at Heather.Helzer@turnagaintraining.com with the information. Please give her 1-3days to enter the information. She will get back to you when she has added them. 

 

Q: Can I change my shirt size?

A: Yes! But see the shirt order details above in the swag details summary for due dates. 

 

Q: My shirt doesn't fit! What are my options?

A: We will have a thread via on private Facebook page for racers to post their shirt details if they're looking to swap a shirt with another racer but the cost of shipping will be up for you to work out. We will also purchase a very limited amount of extra shirts we will have available on the races store page, if you'd prefer to go that route instead. 

 

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 will have weekly contests on the private Facebook page, which racers can find the link to in our weekly newsletters. 

 

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! Total refund is the cost of your registration.

RULES:

The RunSignup system automatically keeps track and refunds the first $15-$45 automatically.
Don't email us constantly for updates. We will pull reports weekly and post. We will post top referrers here in the FB Group.

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

 

Here are the detailed instructions on how you'll submit results once they become available to submit on 4/15 at 12:01am through 6/15 at 11:59pm. We ask that all racers submit results at minimum once per week to keep the results page +/- 7days 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. Additionally, for your first time logging miles, I recommend using a laptop or computer, some have had iPad's and phones with glitches the first time when entering their results. 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: Go to https://runsignup.com/forgetmenotchallenge and click on your image in the top right corner

STEP 2: Go down to Forget-Me-Not Challenge under the upcoming event and click on "Submit Virtual Results"

  

STEP 3: Submit your results manually! 

Note: You can upload activities from a file such as a Garmin (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 4: SUCCESS!!!! The workout is added!

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

Sincerely,

Heather Helzer

Race Director

Here is the 2026 Forget-Me-Not workout log. The goal is to make it easy for you to record daily miles to keep track of your progress. We also encourage racers to download an app like Strava or Mapmyrun to keep track of mileage electronically. 

Want to see what other Race Across Alaska racers are doing? You can join Turnagain Training's Strava team! 

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

 

**This is the 2025 Race Shirt**

When you sign up, you'll receive an athletic fit race synthetic t-shirt! (Sizing chart is in on our FAQ page!), sunglasses, & a pack of Forget-Me-Not seeds. PLUS, you'll receive a finisher medal, which is 1 piece of the Trifecta 3 piece challenge medal! 

This year we've partnered with Leslie Jordan for our race shirt because they stand behind sustainable shirts. By using recycled shirts for our challenge, it brings numerous benefits, aligning with global sustainability efforts and responsible event management. Recycled fabrics contribute to environmental conservation by reducing the demand for virgin resources, minimizing energy consumption, and decreasing waste in landfills, this eco-friendly choice also helps in lowering the event’s carbon footprint, conserving water resources, and promoting a circular economy.

Swag will be shipped out to racers. Shipping is included in the challenge pricing. Shirt, sunglasses, Forget-Me-Not seeds & medals will be shipped out all together. 

Racers will also get virtual race badges as you reach destinations along your race course! 

  

Lastly, all racers will receive weekly newsletters. The newsletter will have highlights for the week about our race along with an activity focus like "Road Biking", "Trail Running" or "Hiker Tips". 

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 BRR BER Challenge, October 1st through December 1st. 

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

75mile Forget-Me-Not Spring Challenge: Challenge T-shirt, bonus swag + a finisher medal

75mile Forget-Me-Not Spring Challenge: Challenge T-shirt, bonus swag + a finisher medal

150mile Forget-Me-Not Spring Challenge: Challenge T-shirt, bonus swag + a finisher medal

150mile Forget-Me-Not Spring Challenge: Challenge T-shirt, bonus swag + a finisher medal

300mile Forget-Me-Not Spring Challenge: Challenge T-shirt, bonus swag + a finisher medal

300mile Forget-Me-Not Spring Challenge: Challenge T-shirt, bonus swag + a finisher medal

500mile Forget-Me-Not Spring Challenge: Challenge T-shirt, bonus swag + a finisher medal

500mile Forget-Me-Not Spring Challenge: Challenge T-shirt, bonus swag + a finisher medal

1000mile Forget-Me-Not Spring Challenge: Challenge T-shirt, bonus swag + a finisher medal

1000mile Forget-Me-Not Spring Challenge: Challenge T-shirt, bonus swag + a finisher medal