Teenager Kellen Viznaugh took the victory in the first of four Headlamp Heroes Nordic ski races of the winter.
There were three course options in the classic race – the 1.5-kilometre Titan loop, one lap of the 3.75-kilometre Mickey Olson Loop, or two laps of the Mickey Olson Loop.
34 racers of all ages and abilities, along with a number of volunteers, came out to take part in the race, which is modeled on the twoonie bike races that take place during the summer.
It was a friendly but competitive atmosphere as the racers donned headlamps as they burst their way out of the start gate outside the Nordic lodge and then made their way into the darkness beyond.
Viznaugh completed the 7.5-kilometre course in a time of 23:49, beating Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club coach Matt Smider by a little more than two minutes. Rory Luxmoore finished third in a time of 26:19.
Alana Brittin won the shorter, 3.75-kilometre junior race in a time of 13:07, beating out her teammates Simon Blackie and Elizabeth Elliot, who finished second and third respectively.
In the kids race, Hannah Vickers was the first to make it around the Titan Loop in a time of 6:14.
The next race in the series is a skate sprint on Jan. 15. On Feb. 5 there is a skate pursuit race and on Mar. 5 the series wraps up with a mixed relay. Registration for each race starts at 6 p.m. and the races start at 7 p.m.
The race also served to make sure all the timing equipment was in order for the upcoming Okanagan Cup race that is taking place here on Sunday, Dec. 29. That race also serves as a qualifier for the B.C. Winter Games.
