Cross-country skiers are renowned for incredible endurance and organizers of the third annual Canmore Ski Fest are challenging local athletes again to test their mettle against the clock.
Individual skiers and teams will again see how far they can ski in 24 hours April 5-6 at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Since the world solo record is 433 kilometres for men and 333 km for women, organizers implore skiers to start training now.
“People who want to challenge and test themselves should try it,” said Kamila Borutova, owner of the women’s record. She set it in 2000 and is still waiting for someone to break it. The closest competitor thus far is Cyd Fraser, who managed 312 km, averaging 13.02 km/h. Leighton Poidevin came closest to breaking the men’s record, skiing 384 km in 24 hours.
Athletes can skate or classic ski around the three km loop and can rent wax rooms for the night. Similar races in Europe draw hundreds of participants and Borutova wants athletes from across North America to attend the event, but thus far the event has maintained a family feel with several children’s races led by Olympians, a bouncy castle and balloons.
“In the past, whole families supported and helped their solo participants in the race while their kids took part in the kids’ races,” Borutova said.
Those who dare not brave the 24-hour challenge can partake in a six or 12 hour race. Organizers moved the event into April to take advantage of longer days and (hopefully) warmer nights.
Visit canmoreskifest.com or email [email protected] for more information.
