18th Annual Northwood Snowshoe Championship is Now a 2008 USSSA Powersox Qualifier

One of the country’s oldest annual snowshoe races is now one of the 22 United States Snowshoe Association’s qualifying events for the USSSA PowerSox National Championship to be held at Utah’s SnowBasin Resort March 9, 2008.

The Northwood’s 10km snowshoe contest, kicking off at 10:00 Saturday, January 19, 2008, at Lester Park, Duluth, Mn., is the qualifying race. To qualify for the National Championship, one must be a member or join the USSSA at the race. Barb Van Skike, Race Director, said, “We are proud to be a USSSA sanctioned event this year.” Mark Elmore, USSSA Sports Director, praised the Northwood, saying, “Snowshoers will enjoy a real challenge here.”

One can compete in this race without being a USSSA member.

Also, the Northwood is one of the few marathon races on snowshoes in the U.S.A. With a 9:30 start, Ryan Alford, Editor, Snowshoe Magazine, commented, “A marathon race on snowshoes is a true ultra challenge. Competitors are under tremendous strain dealing with extreme temperatures for a long period, and, of course, racing with snowshoes on the feet.” Ms. Van Skike said, “The course is very hilly with lots of snow this year, beautiful and challenging. With concern for snowshoer’s safety after dark, though, there is a time limit of 7 ½ hours for all marathoners.”

The marathon course is two loops of the Half-Marathon layout. The half marathon race begins concurrently with the marathon.

Fitgers Inn (800.726.2982) is the race headquarters. Atlas Snowshoe Company, the industry’s largest, sponsors the competition. Snowshoe Magazine will cover the race.

Additional Information: USSSA – http://www.snowshoeracing.com

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