CARBON COUNTY, Wyo. — When Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken lines up for a 100-mile trail race in the summer of 2026, the challenge won’t just be physical endurance — it will also be about drawing attention to the growing financial strain facing local emergency services.
Bakken announced he will run the Bighorn Trail 100, an ultramarathon through Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains scheduled for June 19–21, as a fundraiser to support communications upgrades for the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s search and rescue teams.
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Rising costs for critical communications equipment — including radios, dispatch consoles and satellite connectivity — combined with reduced county revenue tied to property tax reduction legislation, have left the sheriff’s office searching for alternative funding sources, Bakken said.
“Instead of simply accepting this reality, I am willing to run a really, really long way in hopes of raising some money for our first responders,” Bakken wrote in a community update announcing the effort.
According to the sheriff, 100% of the funds raised will be split between the sheriff’s office and Carbon County’s east and west search and rescue teams. The money will be used to upgrade operational communications equipment, including handheld radios and Starlink satellite antennas designed to improve coverage in remote areas.
Carbon County has already felt the impact of reduced funding. Bakken said the sheriff’s office lost two positions last year and could face additional cuts if property tax reductions continue to shrink local revenue streams.
The fundraiser is also intended to raise awareness among residents and policymakers about how state-level tax legislation can affect county governments and frontline emergency services.
Bakken, who also serves as the county’s search and rescue coordinator, acknowledged the personal challenge ahead. While he has completed a marathon before, the upcoming race will be his first attempt at a 100-mile event.
“I have very little idea of what I am getting myself into,” he joked, adding that the run should be “entertaining at least.”
Donations can be made directly to the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, either of the county’s search and rescue divisions, or through an online GoFundMe campaign established for the race. Bakken also said volunteers interested in serving as pacers or crew members during the event are encouraged to reach out.
Support Alex's 100 Mile Race for Better Equipment
Alex Bakken, serving as the elected sheriff of Carbon County and SAR coordinator, is running a 100-mile race to raise funds for reliable communication equipment upgrades for the sheriff’s office and search-and-rescue teams. Your support helps improve operational gear without diverting local general funds.
Donate to the GoFundMe
