Even if you don’t call yourself a dedicated cross-country skier, the Cariboo Marathon Gold Rush classic event might just be the most fun you’ve ever had on skis.
The long-running event takes place Feb. 9 at the 99 Mile Ski Trails and there’s a category for everyone, from an easy 10-kilometre recreational loop, to a 50-km competitive distance, which will net the winner a cash prize.
The winner of the 30-km event will also win cash and there will be merchandise prizes for juniors in the 20-km race.
Children can ski a five- or a 10-km loop and recreational skiers also have the option of a 20-km distance on easy terrain.
Marathon chair Nicola Maughn says people can expect a fun day in the outdoors with a complimentary bowl of hot chili at the end and a free dance in the evening during which awards and tons of door prizes will be handed out.
Anyone who shows up at the event dressed in gold rush attire will also find themselves in the running for prizes. There is a contest for the best beard, so put the shaver away for awhile and let those whiskers grow.
The dance starts at 7 p.m. at the 100 Mile Community Hall and expect to see a return performance of the very popular Hurdy Gurdy Girls, says Maughn.
The ski event gets underway at 9 a.m. with a mass start. Course planners have taken out all of the steep hills from past races and participants can expect nice rolling terrain on each distance.
Every five kilometres there will be a check point with free juice and cookies and there will also be help available at the check points should people run into difficulty of any kind. Maughn says there is cell phone reception on the whole course.
Rob Fry from CaribooRadio.com will be the event master of ceremonies and will be broadcasting the day’s happenings on the worldwide web.
Maughn says that snow conditions this year are excellent and they’re anticipating a top-notch day.
“This is a family event and we’re really looking for recreational skiers to come out and enjoy. There’s a distance for everyone – even children.”
Anyone who needs to blow the dust off their skis prior to the marathon can head up to the 99 Mile trails day or night to practise. There’s a night-lit 3.5-kilometre loop with options to cut off at one- and two-km points.
A $10 day pass is required and is available at the lodge during the day, and at night, just pop $10 into the honour box. Adjacent to the box is the light switch, which will light the trail for 1.5 hours, but at 10 p.m. the power is shut off.
Marathon registration can be done online at www.100milenordics.com, or at the Nordics day lodge on Feb. 8, from 3 to 8 p.m. The cost is $5 for those 13 years and under; $15 for 14 to 17 years; $30 for 19 and over, and a family skis for $80.
There will be a surcharge for registration done after Jan. 26.
