Snow conditions for the 2013 Cariboo Gold Rush Marathon could hardly be better and registrations for the race are flowing in steadily.
As of Jan. 29, there were 28 signed up for the classic event, slated for the 99 Mile Ski Trails on Feb. 9.
100 Mile House Nordics Society is hosting the races, and club events co-ordinator Lauren Bock says history has shown that most of the registrations come in on the last day, so they’re not too worried. The club needs around 200 skiers to cover costs.
Participants can choose to do distances of 10 to 50 kilometres and youngsters 13 years and under can ski a five-km loop.
Bock says the focus is on family fun, so there’s no need to feel intimidated by the thought of racing.
“Even if you’ve only skied a couple of times this season, come on out.”
For those who do want to race seriously, there are cash prizes of $250 for each of the fastest male and fastest female in the 50-km event.
The first local male and local female to cross the 50-km finish line will each be awarded $200 and the fastest male and female in the 30-km will also each get $200.
Special commemorative toques will be given to first, second and third place finishers in each age category of the 30- and 50-km events and in the Junior and Rabbit categories.
The start gun goes off for the mass start at 9 a.m. and the large, open stadium area is a perfect place to watch the action and cheer on the skiers.
The Nordics Day Lodge will be open all day with lunch and snack items and skiers will be treated to complimentary hot chili at the finish line.
CaribooRadio.com with Rob Fry will be on site with live coverage throughout the day, and in the evening, Fry will emcee a family dance and awards ceremony, which is a free, fun event for all skiers of every age. The dance takes place at 100 Mile Community Hall and doors open at 6:30 p.m.
People are encouraged to come dressed in gold rush theme costumes and there will be prizes awarded for the best. The most outstanding beards will also be rewarded.
There will be a lot of random draw for door prizes at the dance and the Marathon committee is requesting donations of items that can be used as prizes. Folks who have something to donate can contact chairperson Nicola Maughn by e-mail at nemaughn@gmail.com.
For online race information and registration, go to www.100milenordics.com. Online registration is possible until Feb. 7, and on Feb. 8, people can register in person from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Nordics Day Lodge at the 99 Mile Ski Trails.
The cost is $5 for those 13 years and under; $20 for 14 to 17 years; $40 for 19 and over, and a family skis for $80.
