More than 100 people participated in the Fifth Annual Sunshine Coast Loppet on Sunday, Feb. 9. The sun made a welcome appearance and snow conditions were excellent for a day of racing. Multiple participants from off-Coast commented on the high quality of the trails and thanked the volunteer groomers for their care. Participants ranged in age from three to 72 years old.
Dakota Ridge Nordics are a large part of the day with 52 kids skiing in a range of activities. The youngest participants completed a 100m sprint. Others moved up to the 1km, 2.5km, 5km and some of the Adventurers took part in the 12km with the adults. There were also games with obstacle courses, a tug of war and other activities to make for lots of fun and laughter.
The largest event of the day was the 12km ski with 33 people taking on the course. Five of these individuals were ready for more and followed their ski with the Snowshoe Poker Challenge. Four sturdy souls took on the 30km ski challenge, which included two laps of the main course with a few smaller loops added in.
“Fourteen participants traversed the 4.5km Snowshoe Poker Challenge to see who could collect the best five card stud poker hand from cards dispersed along the trail,” said sponsor Jamie Mani of Alpha Adventures. “We want to encourage everyone to get out and enjoy Dakota Ridge, and a poker event is a fun way for people to take part in the day’s activities.”
First place finishers were:
30k Ski M - Hannes Weber 1:41:51
12k Ski M - Mike Dickenson 51:27
12k Ski F - Janet Dickenson 52:51
5k Ski M - Johan Stroman 24:49
5k Ski F - Charla McCluskie 27:26
Snowshoe Poker Challenge – Carol Sawchuk with 3 of a kind
Full race results can be found at www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=210139
The Tetrahedron Outdoor Club thanks all the volunteers and participants who created a positive atmosphere for fitness and winter fun for all involved. Nick Farrer played the role of emcee and entertained with music and cheered skiers into the stadium. Thank you to the grooming crew who had trails in top condition, course marshals, and volunteers serving up drinks and snacks for racers. Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue kept everyone safe and BC AdventureSmart was on hand to teach about staying safe in the mountains. Thank you to the Sunshine Coast Regional District who makes Dakota Ridge available as a community recreation asset.
