Langlauf race is a no-show with no snow

The region’s largest annual cross-country ski race is the latest victim of the snow drought that’s bringing the area’s winter sports industry to its knees.

The Langlauf 10-kilometer race at Mount Spokane has been canceled for the first time ever, said Tim Ray, race director.

The race, which was scheduled for this coming Sunday, would have been the 27th-annual. The event, which attracts more than 350 skiers, was moved from lowland areas to Mount Spokane in 1990 to help guarantee there always would be enough snow on the course.

“There are bare spots 45 feet long in some areas,” Ray said Monday after looking into the possibility of shoveling snow to ready the course. “There’s no way we can hold a safe race.”

Langlauf organizers plan to give away many of the pins and prizes that had been secured for the race. That will happen at 11 a.m. Sunday at Fitness Fanatics, 12425 E. Trent Ave. Entrants may receive refunds or donate their $15 entry fee to help cover nearly $1,000 in expenses, Ray said.