WHERE WE BEGAN

In 2008, two high schools in Anchorage came together to host their own track and field meet. What started out as a small idea evolved into the largest high school event in the state - The Big C Relays.

Shane Metcalf. Jason Hofacker. Russ Edwards. Ben Larson.

When The Dome opened in 2007, the four men listed above came together to create a meet unlike any other in the state. Representing Grace Christian School and Anchorage Christian School (now Mountain City Christian Academy), their goal was to give back to the track and field community. Since neither school had a track, they were never able to host their own events. But by using this new indoor facility, they finally had their opportunity.

Inspired by the Howard Wood Dakota Relays in Sioux Falls, SD, the Big C Relays provides high school athletes with a competitive arena to run, jump, and throw against their peers. With the track races primarily consisting of teamed relay events, coaches are able to record times of multiple athletes per race. Not only does this allow for greater participation, but since it’s one of the earliest meets of the season, coaches are able to get great benchmarks for their athletes.

In 2014, the event was passed off to Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After being the host for three years, and once the Dome was repaired after the unfortunate snow collapse in 2017, USA Track and Field Alaska (USATF Alaska) became the host in 2019. Following the corona pandemic, the event was cancelled until 2022.

In 2023, USATF Alaska graciously returned ownership of the event to GCS. The official meet title was changed to the Russ Edwards Big C Relays, after Russ passed away and joined the Lord one week before our 2022 event.

While the Big C Relays is a track and field meet, it is far from ordinary. Here’s why:

  • King of the Hill. While most track meets have seeded events with multiple heats, our athletes are purely racing against the clock or jumping and throwing against the tape measure. When an athlete wins their heat, they are “crowned” the winner and even given the trophy. But there is a catch. If someone from a succeeding heat beats their time or distance, the current winner must hand the trophy to the new winner.

  • Odd Events. While most track fans could explain what a 4x100m or 4x200m relay is, there may be some who are stumped to describe what a Swedish Relay is (100m, 200m, 300m, 400m). Or maybe the Alaska relay (4x1652m). Because our goal is to maximize participation, and because of the unique design of The Dome’s track, we have fun events that mix not only distances, but genders and even teams.

  • Community Races. We love seeing young kids excited about moving. We love seeing adults excited about moving. When the schedule allows, we love adding events where participants of all ages can get on the track and have fun competing.

  • Schedule. From its inception, the Big C has been a scheduled meet. While most track meets have a rolling schedule, we aim to start every event on time. This allows more freedom for athletes and spectators alike.