On February 7, 34 hardy racers challenged Mother Nature on a cold and windy Saturday, with a starting line temperature of -3 ºF. Due to the super frosty weather, everyone ran the 5K course so as to limit exposure, and we provided hand warmers to all runners. Everyone finished safe and sound, although there were some rather impressive beard and eyelash icicles. Despite the challenging conditions, some impressive times were put down (see results). Sebi Schonfeld won overall in 26:35, and Isla Chadsey led the women in 30:43. Check out the photos, too – we’ve uploaded some great shots from the event, and we’d love for you to add your own.
Many thanks to all our volunteers who made the race possible! Most notably, Martin Moravek and Eric Maki directed traffic, and Eric also supplied the snowshoe-fitting tent and helped with course cleanup. Tonya Engst managed bib pickups. Adam Engst handed out rental snowshoes, helped put them on correctly, and timed the race. Joel Cisne and Wilderness Search & Rescue watched over the racers on the course to make sure everyone made it back to the finish line. Diana Hackett and Eric Sambolec kept the Hill-ton warm and managed the snacks and hot beverages. Sarah Ridenour helped with course signage and awards. Finally, Gretchen Gilbert, Aaron Snow, Jon Lewis, and Ben Dickensheets swept the course and picked up flags. Special thanks to Charlie and Ann Leonard for the use of their driveway and their land where the start/finish are located, as well as the Hammond Hill-ton warming hut, and to Rob Kashik and Dion Snowshoes for the rental snowshoes.
— Dave Kania and Eric Sambolec, Race Directors