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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Nordic classic will be better than ever

Rich Landers Outdoors editor

Given a choice, nordic skiers would always prefer a thick cushion of white over red-carpet treatment. But it looks like they’ll get both this season at the Langlauf 10-kilometer cross country skiing race at Mount Spokane.

Scratched last year for lack of snow, the region’s Bloomsday-like country skiing event is set to unfold Feb. 12 on a generous heap of white.

“The snow conditions are great,” said Charlie Matthews, race committee publicist. “It’s like the winters we all remember.”

Langlauf will be everything skiers have come to expect over the past 28 years, plus a couple of new twists, he said.

“The biggest change is moving the start to the flat snowmobile trail below Selkirk Lodge,” he said.

For years, the race has started at 11 a.m. with several hundred people packed elbow-to-elbow and tip-to-tail while heading downhill and gaining speed.

“I guess it was kind of spectacular for the photographers to see people flying through the air and skis and poles breaking and all of that, but this will be a lot safer,” he said.

This will allow participants to spread out by the time the course, specially groomed for the race by Mount Spokane State Park, diverts onto the cross country trail system.

A milestone in Langlauf history will be reached this year with an individual electronic timing system powered by tiny transponders that will be attached to the ankle of each racer.

“We’ll have instant results posted as each skier comes in,” Matthews said, adding that the final results should be ready within five minutes after the race course closes at 1 p.m.

Although it’s technically a race, Langlauf has always set a standard for welcoming skiers of all persuasions. Some racers go to the max, others go for a tour on the 10K course, but everybody gets a reward:

•Medals and custom fleece vests are given to the men’s and women’s winners in 11 age divisions to honor every speedster from young to old.

•The Woolies Division allows people to compete for wearing the best traditional skiing outfit.

•The Woodies Division offers recognition for the fastest male and female on wood skis.

•Every skier who crosses the finish line, as well as every volunteer who helps put on the race, is eligible for the post-race drawings for the most valuable prizes, including ski gear and trips to popular cross country skiing destinations such as Sun Mountain Lodge and the Izaak Walton Inn.

And everyone will be treated to live accordion music and the tradition of hot soup prepared by Europa and lots of treats from other sponsors to help replace the calories expended on a course with an elevation gain of 640 feet.

“We probably lost about $1,500 to $2,000 by having to cancel the event last year, but our sponsors have stayed with us all these years and they’ve helped us continue to make this a special event.”