Jeff Dusenbury, whose life was stolen way too early in 2014, was a beloved athlete in the Anchorage community, taking part in countless organized races over the last 20 years. The over 1,500 people that attended his memorial service was a reflection of how he lived his life and what type of man he was – he was the epitome of kindness, generous to all who knew him and to many who didn’t. Because Jeff was so well-known in the biking and racing community in Anchorage, many local race directors, along with his widow and daughter, have organized the Jeff Dusenbury SweatFest Memorial Run, a running race in his honor with net proceeds benefitting charities of which he would approve.
This year the Alaska Boys & Girls (AK B&G) Club will be the inaugural beneficiary of net proceeds. AK B&G Clubs empower and inspire kids to reach their full potential by offering them hope, opportunity and a safe environment. Jeff was very enthusiastic about getting kids involved in athletics and positive activities. Since his death, many bike helmets have been donated to AK B&G Club, and money donated in-lieu-of-flowers was used to purchases school supplies, a basketball hoop and a foosball table for the AK B&G kids, in his honor.
Jeff was an avid cyclist, but also a runner and skier. While the race committee is holding a run as opposed to a bike ride to make it more accessible, they feel there is great symmetry in the fact that the Arctic Bicycle Club is the organization backing and sponsoring this race.
This running race (or walk) will be held Friday, July 24th at 7pm. The race is composed of a 2-mile and 5-mile course that will begin at West High School, where Jeff was an alumni.
Jeff was not known as the best athlete, but he was notorious for pushing himself, coining the phrase “Why suffer a little, when you can suffer a lot?” The entire community is invited to come out and join this race. Push your limits and “suffer” together to honor a man who was dedicated to the betterment of the community while continuing his charitable legacy.
For more information and course details, please visit: www.jeffdusenburysweatfest.com. You can pick-up your bib at The Alaska Club West on Wednesday, July 22nd from 4:30-6:30pm, located at 1400 W Northern Lights Blvd.
The Alaska Clun is a proud sponsor of the Jeff Dusenbury SweatFest Memorial Run.