As the winter season comes to a close, Cable opens it arms to the Dion Snowshoes U.S. National Snowshoe Championships – taking place March 11-13. With hundreds of racers from more than 30 states, the Cable community continues its long tradition of hosting world class competition. Racers and spectators alike will be treated to a spectacular venue for the 5 races at the Lakewoods Resort, all surrounded by the famous terrain of the Chequamegon/Nicolet National Forest.
Part of the Annual Hot Air For Hearts Balloon Rally & Snowshoe Race, the weekend is chock full of activities for racers, snowshoe enthusiasts and spectators alike. The Hot Air Balloons benefit heart related causes in the local region through the Cable and Area Lions Club. Watch the majestic balloons soar over Lake Namakagon in the morning and afternoon of the event. The public can take part by helping crew the balloons and those making a charitable contribution can event take flight with the commercially rated pilots.
With the Hot Air Citizens race/walk a prominently featured part of the National Championships, citizen racers who didn’t qualify or who want to enjoy a fun event can participate in a 5k and 10k run or walk Saturday afternoon. Starting immediately after the Kids Kilo where future national champions of all ages get an early start, the annual Hot Air Citizens Race is in its 9th year and has helped raise thousands of dollars for the benefit. With many sponsors, exhibitors, and various events, visitors will be treated to an exciting weekend of spectacular scenery, exhilarating competition, and rewarding activity.
Preliminary reports are favorable as the weather has created a firm fast course through the rolling hills of Lakewoods Forest Ridges Golf Course. Set in the varied glacial terrain and surrounded by forest, the many hills resemble a continuous roller coast ride for the racers and will forever put to rest the Midwest doesn’t have the terrain to host the national competition.
Snowshoe events start Friday with registration and course preview all day and a racers reception with vendor displays in the evening. Saturday is the big event with 5 races. Starting with the Junior 5k at 9 AM, races will run throughout the day with the last event being the Hot Air Citizens 5k & 10k run/walk starting at 1PM. The Nationals Banquet that night is open to the public and will feature a hot air balloon glow where the balloons get lit up like giant luminaries. The event finishes on Sunday with a 2.5k four person relay starting at 10 AM and closing ceremonies at 11:30.
The National Championships are sponsored by Dion Snowshoes and the United States Snow Shoe Association (USSSA) the sanctioning body which selects racers from 5 regions of the U.S. to participate. With racers currently registered from California, New York, Arizona and Alaska, representation from all regions is assured for the hundreds of snowshoe enthusiasts in our region. And the racers from around our nation can be assured hundreds of spectators and citizen racers surrounding the Cable Area will be there to cheer them on.
For more information or to register for the 2011 U.S. National Snowshoe Championships or the Hot Air For Hearts Balloon Rally and Citizens Snowshoe Race visit http://www.lakewoodsresort.com or http://www.snowshoeracing.com or call P.C. Rasmussen, Race Director and 4th Generation owner at Lakewoods Resort – 715.794.2561.
