263 people participated in the 2020 Buckwheat International Ski Classic. (Photo by Henry Leasia)

Skagway hosted the 34th annual Buckwheat Ski Classic over the weekend. A strong turnout and near-perfect weather made for a howling good time. Organizers paid special tribute to the race’s founder Buckwheat Donahue, who passed away in October.  

They came from all over: Haines, Juneau, Whitehorse, Calgary, Montreal. One group even made it up from New Zealand. Luckily the day before the race the ferry was running, the highways were plowed and the skies were clear enough for flying. 

“In the last 24 hours the wind has kind of died down,” says race organizer Jeff Brady. “There’s hardly just a breeze right now. It’s perfect conditions. It’s about minus 15 celsius which everybody out here is used to, so you know, we’re good to go for all races.”

Brady was a long time friend of Robert Carlin Donahue Jr., better known as Buckwheat. Donahue founded Skagway’s annual cross country ski race and became a legend throughout Alaska for his eccentric endeavors like his walk across the U.S. or hosting a UFO convention. He passed away in October, but the Buckwheat ski classic continues to bear his name.

263 skiers take their marks for the 50k, 25k, 10k and 5k races. The most competitive are decked out in tight-fitting race gear and sweet shades. Others wear silly outfits and face paint. 

After a group howl at the starting line they’re off to the races, sliding along the grooves in the snow, over the hills and through the woods.

After a few kilometers an elaborate snow fort comes into view along with a dozen volunteers offering refreshments. 

The racers take a quick break to chat. Some pose for photos with a giant snow sculpture of Buckwheat’s head. 

A snow sculpture of Buckwheat Donahue’s head sat in front of the aid station. (Photo by Henry Leasia)

One volunteer who preferred not to be named is decked out in a kilt. He’s toting several bottles of scotch—a quick pick-me-up for the racers. 

“Some people like water. Some people like Gatorade. Some people like things a little stronger,” says the kilted man. 

By 3 p.m. the races are over and everyone is packing up their gear to head back to town. 

A skier races pass the aid station. (Photo by Henry Leasia)

That evening at the Skagway Recreation Center, people chat about the race as they chow down on bread bowls full of chili and clam chowder. 

Before the award ceremony begins, several people take the mic to share memories about Buckwheat. Many talk about his eccentricities and adventurous spirit. Log Cabin Ski Society Board Member Cory Thole says he appreciated Buckwheat’s ability to make people feel special. 

Cory Thole howls with Amanda Mouchet, who sewed several BISC shirts together into a full body suit and won the best outfit award. (Photo by Henry Leasia)

“Buckwheat was a presence. He wasn’t just a presence in his being. He was a presence in how he made you feel about yourself,” Thole said. “He always recognized who you were and he recognized what you can do in the community and he just enjoyed being around you.” 

Although Buckwheat is gone, it is clear his legacy will live on through a race that brings people together. 

 

Results 

50k Men
Knute Johnsgaard – Whitehorse 2:45:37.4
Colin Abbot – Whitehorse 2:45:46.4
Caelan Pangman McLean – Whitehorse 2:51:35.3

50k Women
Emilie Stewart-Jones – Whitehorse 3:31:21.8
Jane Hollenberg – Whitehorse 3:46:21.9
Tiffani Fraser – Whitehorse 4:41:26.1

25k Men
Finn Morley – Juneau 1:30:36.9
Christian Schmidt – Whitehorse 1:36:36.5
Stephen Waterreus – Whitehorse 1:39:48.3

25k Women
Sonjaa Schmidt – Whitehorse 1:36:36.2
Lois Johnston – Whitehorse 2:00:02.5
Laura Salmon – Whitehorse 2:00:03.7

10k Men
Sasha Masson – Whitehorse 0:31:26.0
Derek Deuling – Whitehorse 0:31:26.3
Victor Thibeault – Whitehorse 0:35:42.8

10k Women
Constance Lapointe – Whitehorse 0:40:48.2
Dahlia Lapointe – Whitehorse 0:46:37.7
Abigail Jirousek – Whitehorse 0:46:38.0