I really enjoy being able to engage in healthy cultural activities such as dog mushing, trapping, and subsistence hunting. I believe that it is very important, living in Kotzebue, to find outdoor activities that you can enjoy while embracing the uniqueness and beauty of the Northwest Arctic. It is also important to me to engage in performing a more formal strength and endurance exercise routine. I believe that having goals that align with living a healthy lifestyle is very important for health and happiness.
-Kevin Hansen, DPT
We are proud to sponsor local musher and Maniilaq Health Center physical therapist Kevin Hansen, who will be competing in the Kobuk 440 this year. We are also ‘Lead Dog’ sponsors of the Kobuk 440 Racing Association, which puts on the yearly mid-distance race that attracts competitive mushers from near and far. The association also puts on a race called the Taaqpak 120, from Kotzebue to Noatak and back, and the Junior 440, which encourages youth participation in dog mushing.
We are proud to sponsor a race that promotes the traditional practice of dog mushing and provides healthy activities for residents of all ages. The race begins Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at 12:30pm on Front Street in Kotzebue and continues through Monday, with checkpoints at villages in the Maniilaq Service Area along the trail. Good luck and happy trails to Kevin, and to all of the mushers in this year’s race.
We hope to see you there!
