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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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A classic event at Mount Spokane

Jeff Corkill (#171), a top masters runner from Spokane, puts his fitness to the test on skinny skis with 193 other participants in the soggy 2007 Langlauf 10-kilometer race at Mount Spokane. (File / The Spokesman-Review)
Rich Landers Outdoors editor
Jeff Corkill (#171), a top masters runner from Spokane, puts his fitness to the test on skinny skis with 193 other participants in the soggy 2007 Langlauf 10-kilometer race at Mount Spokane. (File / The Spokesman-Review)

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. 10.

In its 30th 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.

Online registration is offered, 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 about $6,000 in prizes, including ski gear and trips to popular cross- country skiing destinations such as Sun Mountain Lodge and the Rendezvous Hut in the Methow Valley.

All skiers are welcome to the traditions of pre-race waxing assistance through Fitness Fanatics 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.

Waxing clinic: Learn performance ski-waxing techniques for the big event in a Langlauf pre-race waxing clinic, starting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 8 at Fitness Fanatics, 12425 E. Trent. Info: 509-922-6080.

Race-day waxing: Fitness Fanatics staff will help skiers apply the appropriate wax to the kick-zone of their skis before the race. However, racers should apply glide wax at home before leaving for Mount Spokane.