More than 100 Castlegar Nordic Ski Club members participated in the 27th annual Troll Loppet cross-country ski marathon Sunday, Feb. 24 at the Viking Centre.
Last year’s event saw 85 people register, which was a record at that time.
Conrad Brattebo, a founding member of the club, said this year’s event saw nice skiing temperature early in the day at -16 C.
Food, snacks and hot chocolate were provided by some of the lades in the club. Race bibs, starting banner and Canadian, Norwegian and USA flags were provided by the Sons of Norway.
In keeping with tradition, the Viking Troll from Valhalla Mountain in the Slocan Valley, was also on hand to protect the skiers.
Kim Matson who helped organize the event and the Viking Troll were the race starters.
While all participants could request their times, the event is billed as fun and non-competitive. Times could be requested for those interested in their performance and all received a Castlegar Nordic Ski Club ski pack.
David Leffelaar was first in the gold category with a time of 3:03. Second went to Oscar Bot and third to Keith Houghton. The fourth place finisher Frank Krueger, from New York, was also the participant from the farthest distance away.
Total membership in the ski club is up to over 700, a far cry from the 45 original founding members.
The club wishes to pass along thanks to all of the volunteers: Winston Fayant, Dave Fitchett, Webb Webster, Conrad Brattebo, John Pinckney, Audrey Andre, Murray Bennet, Greg Richards, Garth Johnson, Nancy Kalawsky, Ole Kristiansen, Arne Akselson, Lisa Derby, Mary Martin, Don Campbell, John and Muriel Walton, Margo Saunders, Denice Lightburn, Keith Watson, Ann Quarterman and Al Brown.
