TAPS workers put their best feet forward at annual fun runs
From the longstanding tradition at Pump Station 1, to the growing fun run and fundraiser at Pump Station 5, to a family-focused event at Pump Station 9, Alyeska employees, contractors, oil and gas industry workers, and friends came together this summer for another season of running events.
Each location put its own spin on their annual events, bringing people together for running and walking, food and friendly competition, and bonding time with coworkers and others.
Milepost 0: A TAPS tradition continues
The annual Pump Station 1 Fun Runs brought approximately 900 participants together for events on June 29 and July 9. Workers from across the North Slope joined in for a run or stroll along the TAPS right of way from Milepost 0.
Unlike the Pump 5K and Pump 9K, Pump Station 1 does not track race finishers. Participants can begin the course anytime between 5 and 8 p.m., allowing for flexibility and fun.
This year also marked a new chapter for the event. Longtime organizer Hal Eppley retired, and his former coworkers and volunteers stepped up to share responsibilities and keep it going. Security staffed the halfway point, Baseline personnel helped with traffic control and course safety, station personnel coordinated logistics, and volunteers pitched in with T-shirt distribution, refreshments and food service.
Participants received a T-shirt featuring artwork by PS01 Technician Kyle Siddoway, continuing another popular reason for participating.
“It’s fun to be a part of making history,” Kyle said. “Everyone is always excited to see what the Pump 1 shirts will look like for the annual Fun Run.”
Pump 5K: Running, cornhole and giving back
At Pump Station 5, the 7th annual Pump 5K Fun Run/Walk brought employees, contractors and support personnel together for events on July 19 and Aug. 2. More than 40 people attended in person across two shifts, with another 45 employees participating virtually.
The events featured a 5K run/walk, doubles cornhole tournament, BBQ dinner and prize drawings. They also served a larger purpose: supporting Holiday on the Yukon, which helps provide holiday gifts for children in Rampart. Virtual participation allowed employees from across TAPS to get involved in the running and fundraising.
Robert Schoff of Coffman Engineers took first place for A Shift, while Jamie Hutchinson of HCC Baseline Projects earned the Red Lantern. Darren Hildebrand and Adam McAllister won the A Shift doubles cornhole tournament.
For B Shift, Brad Silva, Maritime Helicopter Pilot, took first place, while Charles Martin of APSC Safety earned the Red Lantern. Donny Bentley, YRB HCC Baseline Foreman, and Khamphouvane “Oy” Vichitvongs of NMS Catering took the doubles cornhole title.
Both events were capped off with BBQ prepared by NMS. Events received financial support from PS5 and OHU, while the Alaska Native Program donated prizes.
“The Pump 5K brings people together,” said Jennifer Gutierrez, Pump Station 5 Assistant. “It’s a good day to have a great day, and events like this make it easy.”
Pump 9K: Family becomes part of the fun
Family took center stage at the second annual Pump 9K events, which were held Sept. 13 and Sept. 27. Employees and contractors used the STAR visitor request process to bring family members onto the station, giving them an opportunity to participate in the run/walk, enjoy lunch, and see where their family members work.
The competition was lively, too, as race winners received a day of vacation. PS9 Mechanic Tyler Schuster won the A Shift race, followed by PS9 Instrument Tech Josh Rutman and PS9 Electrician Doug Carlo. Richelle Talvi, Alyeska Documentation Specialist, earned the Red Lantern.
For B Shift, PS9 Mechanic Clarence Brooks finished first, followed by Coffman Engineer James Delaney and Clarence’s daughter, Shyann Brooks. Alyeska Senior Vice President of Engineering Tom Marchesani earned the Red Lantern.
The events were a team effort beyond the racecourse. OHU helped support the event, Security kept participants safe along the course, and the Baseline team handled course setup and cleanup.
“Our Pump 9K theme is ‘Running out of Summer’ and it’s the perfect end to a long and productive summer,” said Geneva Walters. “It’s a chance to get outside, get some exercise, laugh together, and enjoy the fall colors. The highlight this year was being able to share this experience with friends and family.”
