Minus 15 and blowing snow? No problem! A record 80 people had registered for the 28th Annual Tweedsmuir Ski Race held on Sunday, March 2, and almost 60 braved the elements to participate in the race.
There were four distances to choose from: 3km, 7km, 14km and 21 km. The 3km loop, designed for the littlest competitors, featured four ‘treasure bins’ to keep spirits up and whining to a minimum (great idea organizers!) Four ‘Rabbits’ (five and under) completed the loop and 21 other skiers who also completed the 3km joined them.
The 7km was also a popular choice with the majority of skiers, including the SAMS Outdoor Education Class, who completed the loop in good time. Six determined skiers completed the 14km loop, with Donna Ratcliff taking the lead with a time of 1:32:02. She was followed by Kyha Saban with a time of 1:46:08.
Five individuals completed the grueling 21km loop with Alex Boileau taking first place with a time of 1:19:10. Tim deGrace followed him with a time of 1:57:18, and Grant McCartney was third with a time of 2:01:15. Carl Harstead and Elijah Mecham followed with times of 2:37:33 and 2:48:41 respectively.
A fabulous potluck feast followed with chili, soup and hot chocolate being consumed in record quantities. The windy weather didn’t allow for a lot of lingering around but mugs were awarded to the following
Alex Boileau: Overall Winner (21km, 19-39Male), Tim deGrace: 2nd place (21km, 17-39yrs Male), Carl Harstad: Fastest (21km, 40+ Male), Donna Ratcliff: Fastest (14km, 40+ Female), Rick Ratcliff: Fastest (14km, 40+ Male), Monica and Marry Tutt: tied for 2nd place (14km, 40+ Female), Lauren Harrison: Fastest (7km, 2-16yr Female), Finn Carlson: Fastest (7km, 6-12yr Male), Katie Koroluk: Fastest (7km, 6-12 Female), Khya Saban: Fastest (14km, 17-39 Female) and Ewan Koroluk: Fastest (3km skier 6-12yr old male).
Ray McIlwain donated a beautiful print and all of the participants names were placed in a draw, with Grant McCartney being the lucky winner. A special thanks to all of the folks who helped out with the event, especially Kerry and Alex Boileau for all of their hard work organizing, Dave and Kathy Flegel, who registered all of the skiers on the roadside the morning of the race, and Lisa Nordin and John Butler who did an excellent job timekeeping.
And a huge big thank you to Lyle Enderud and Duane Pederson who have spent countless volunteers hours grooming the ski trails for the x-country skiers. Hope to see everyone out next year for the 29th Annual 2015 Tweedsmuir X-Country Ski Race!