Kahtoola Snow-Or-No USSSA Qualifier Waves “Flag”

The annual snowshoe race in the desert – correct that, it’s close to the desert – again provides racers which challenges typically found in International snowshoe races.
Taking his third victory in as many years, International challenger Sylvester Coons is certainly making this race his own while eating up the mountainous terrain. He commented, “With the addition of the climb in the middle portion, it made the course more European in style. The Europeans always cut steep hills in their courses and the new Flag — (the hip name for Flagstaff) — race course gives you a taste of what it is like. While not as steep or long, the hills in the back still caught me off guard.”

With his growing and active sports and travel company, tiger global athletics, (see
http://www.tigerglobalathletics.com/TGA/History.html), Sylvester includes snowshoe racing as an integral part of his racing career. In the 2008 USSSA National Championships in Utah, Sylvester medaled in the tough 35-39 age bracket, finishing 14th overall, one of only 24 who completed the course under 60 minutes. One of his favorite events of the year, he explained, “Every time I have run the course here in Flagstaff, it has been great. This year was no exception. It was slightly confusing and difficult to follow the trail in the beginning, but with the help of a fellow snowshoer, we were able to get back on track quickly.”

Finishing any competitive snowshoe event is always a thrill, but this is one of his favorites, “I always enjoy this finish — coming through the Aspen and down the home stretch — it is a fantastic experience!”

“Even better than the race itself, are the folks at Kahtoola, the Nordic Center, and other racers. It is always a pleasure to come back and visit with everyone. They all are so nice and accommodating and really know how to put on a fun event. Never have I had so much fun than when I go to Flag and race at 8300′ elevation. What a blast!”

Eric True followed minutes later with Ryan Stevens completing the top three males.
John Bogen and Robert Hall, both returning from the 2008 race, along with new participant, Mark Thurston, had the best race of the day in the 10km category as all three finished in the same minute in this order. Bob and Mark were separated by one second.

Famous Coach, Steve Ilg, completing his fourth race here in Flagstaff, and according to my records the only person to do so, is a real fan of this race and the course, saying,
“This was a really, really great course in difficult conditions!” Always creating and planning ahead he made two suggestions:

“perhaps use a bio-degradable spray paint for the snow to act as course markers. This might help the snowshoers who insist on getting lost. Also, I would consider creating a separate Flagstaff Winter Triathlon event which will continue to help inspire more popularity in all three FNC competitive snow events. The organizers did a wonderful job on the running of the 3rd Annual Snow-or-No!”

He brought Baby Dewa to the race and she “actually enjoyed her first ever Nordic Sledding!” No doubt a future USSSA Champion in the making.  (See photo by Neil Weintrab) Visit his website at: www.wholisticfitness.com.

Back for his third year and another finish was David Mckee. Tobin Purslow completed his second race here as did Jut Wynne.

In the Women’s 10km, two-time USSSA National Team member, Laurie Lambert, won for the third year in a row. Always a positive influence in each event she races, Laurie is one of the most popular racers at the National level. Sara Wagner, as in 2008, took second place. Kara Huffman finished third and Maureen McGee was back for her second year in this USSSA Qualifier.

In the companion 5km, a brand new field for the women’s class compiled the line up. Dara Marks-Mariono won going away, with Katie Haugerud winning silver and Lisa Hutchinson, bronze.

The men’s 5km featured newcomer, Ben Sullivan, edging Abraham Springer who also finished second last year.

For more information on this even, go to: http://www.flagstaffnordiccenter.com.

United States Snowshoe Association:  www.snowshoeracing.com

Questions, comments, additions on this article, email:
phillipgary@snowshoemag.com

Information on Phillip Gary Smith: www.ultrasuperior.com

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