Organizers say the first ever Sovereign2SilverStar Ski Marathon was a roaring success.
The weekend cross-country event attracted 30% more entries than expected in 21 and 40-kilometre classic and free races.
Some of the fastest skiers in North America led a field that also included starting waves for skiers of all abilities.
Competitors ranged from Olympians to those doing their first race event, with more than 500 taking part in total.
The event was hosted by the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and SilverStar Mountain Resort and raised $5,000 for the Kidsport charity, which was topped up to $7,500 by a donation from SilverStar, and increased again to $8,000 by a silent auction.
More than 250 volunteers helped stage the inaugural event.
Saturday’s 21K skate event was won by local 62 year old Clarke Shipka in the male category and U.S. skier Dashe McCabe in the female category.
In Saturday’s 40K, Jack Carlyle managed to nudge out Canadian Olympian Remi Drolet at the line in a time of 2:02:36. On the female side, Canadian Olympian Dahria Beatty nudged out Mariah Bredal in a time of 2:18:01.
Sunday’s 21K skate event was won by McCabe in the female category and Sovereign Lake’s Axel Hostyn in the male category.
In Sunday’s 40K skate, Drolet managed to win back his champion title in a blazing quick time of 1:43:17, and Beatty won her second gold in two days in a time of 1:57:22.
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