Lycra and wool share Langlauf
Langlauf, the region’s largest and longest running cross-country skiing event is scheduled once again to take over Mount Spokane State Park’s nordic trails on Feb. 11.
In its 29 year, the 10 kilometer citizen’s race continues to attract several hundred skiers ranging from sleek speedsters to slower enthusiasts who might not hesitate to step out of the race tracks to sip a bota bag.
Once again, the race is planned to start on the flat snowmobile trail below Selkirk Lodge, which helps to eliminate the almost yearly pileups that occurred as several hundred participants funneled into the downhill slope of the old start.
The event continues to step into the high-tech generation, this year adding the option for online registration as well as individual electronic timing at the race powered by tiny transponders that are attached to the ankle of each racer.
This allows almost instant placing as skiers trickle into the finish line. Final results should be ready within five minutes after the race course closes at 1 p.m. Racers will get times based on the starting gun for the mass start, but later they can look online to see their time on the course from the moment they cross the starting line to finish line, said Tim Ray, Langlauf coordinator.
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 the traditions of pre-race waxing assistance and post-race 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.
Faster crowd: The largest collection of fast nordic skiers on Mount Spokane this season will gather on Feb. 18-19 for a Pacific Northwest Ski Association junior race that enables young skiers to qualify for national-class races.
Winthrop’s Sadie Bjornsen, 17, who won the Langlauf as a 13-year-old, will headline the skiers coming from throughout the Northwest. Bjornsen is one of the top junior nordic skiers in the nation.