Yes, this will be hard. Depending on the weather and trail conditions, it could go from a moderate challenge to brutal. The conditions during the 2015 edition were absolutely ideal but 2016 could be completely different. Be prepared for anything. Distances between checkpoints are large. Be self-sufficient; don't depend on checkpoints and volunteers.
Solo or Team?
When entering the Solo Category, most participants will complete the entire 60 km distance in one discipline so you will run, or bike, or ski 60 km. It is entirely possible to combine 2 different disciplines but you are responsible for the security and transportation of your gear to the turn-around point (and for picking up your gear at the completion of the event). For example, you could bike the first leg and ski the second leg. I would love to see someone combine 2 different disciplines this year!
If you are unsure of your ability to complete the entire distance, team up with a partner. Each partner does not need to choose the same discipline (ie. one person can run, one can ski or whatever combination you want). If you sign up as a team, Teammate #1 will start and Teammate #2 will drive themselves to the turn-around point at Sundogs (see map). Once the relay exchange has taken place, teammate #1 will drive back to the finish line and wait for teammate #2 to finish. If you want to carpool with other teams, that would be great. Leg #1 is approximately 35 km and leg #2 is approximately 25 km.
Schedule of Events
Friday
7:00 - 9:00 pm Mandatory Gear Check, Sign on and Race Package Pick-Up in the Elk Condo of the Hawood Inn, Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park.
Saturday
8:00 am Race/Tour starts at Elk Ridge Resort for both solo and relay teams. If you are part of a relay team and doing Leg 2 of the event, find your way to Sundogs Excursions at a time you think appropriate to make your exchange. There will be a group of people mushing at Sundogs so space will be limited; do not arrive there too early.
Noon to 10 pm: Feast! Make your way to Elk Condo in the Hawood Inn where volunteers will be serving up chili, salads, corn bread, buns, desserts, and drinks for all athletes and volunteers.
Accommodations
We have secured an amazing room rate for the event at the Hawood Inn in Waskesiu. $50/night! I recommend staying both Friday and Saturday nights--don't drive home tired! Sold out!!!
If you would rather stay closer to the start line, Elkridge Resort is offering everyone involved in the event a 20% discount on accommodations. To receive the discount, you must book directly through Ryan at: [email protected] If you would rather receive a $75 resort credit, you can use the promo code "Let it Snow" when you call to book. Check out their website: Elkrdige Resort
Also check out Lost Creek Resort.
Parking
Please park in the snowmobile parking lot. This is the huge lot in front of the clubhouse and is easy to find. As you enter the resort, the trail access is to the right and the snowmobile parking lot is straight ahead.
Checkpoints
Km 28 - Anglin Lake Shelter
Km 35 - Sundogs Excursions (turn-around point or start of Leg 2)
Km 42 - Anglin Lake Shelter
At the checkpoints, volunteers will provide you with warm fluids (gatorade and water). As the shelters are heated, this will also be a good place to eat the food that you have been carrying. However, eating and drinking at only the checkpoints may cause participants to bonk. Remind yourself to stop regularly to consume the fluid and food that you are carrying. All solo and team participants must check in at all of the check points and tell the volunteer their name. Make sure to refill your insulated water bottle here.
Bail-out options for solo racers/tourers
1. At approximately Km 14, there is a junction. If you are doubting your ability to finish, then is your first chance to abandon the race. Instead of turning left to continue, turn right and go back to the start/finish line.
2. At the turn-around point at Sundogs Excursions. Volunteers will be available to help you if you need to abandon or do not make the cut off time.
3. The Anglin Lake Shelter. Volunteers with a snowmobile will be available to assist you.
Other info
Walleye's Restaurant in the clubhouse at Elkridge will be open starting at 11 AM and will have "race specials". This is a good spot for everyone to have a drink or a meal while waiting for teammates or spouses to finish--also a good spot for volunteers to take a break.
Washrooms are located in the clubhouse.
Solo or Team?
When entering the Solo Category, most participants will complete the entire 60 km distance in one discipline so you will run, or bike, or ski 60 km. It is entirely possible to combine 2 different disciplines but you are responsible for the security and transportation of your gear to the turn-around point (and for picking up your gear at the completion of the event). For example, you could bike the first leg and ski the second leg. I would love to see someone combine 2 different disciplines this year!
If you are unsure of your ability to complete the entire distance, team up with a partner. Each partner does not need to choose the same discipline (ie. one person can run, one can ski or whatever combination you want). If you sign up as a team, Teammate #1 will start and Teammate #2 will drive themselves to the turn-around point at Sundogs (see map). Once the relay exchange has taken place, teammate #1 will drive back to the finish line and wait for teammate #2 to finish. If you want to carpool with other teams, that would be great. Leg #1 is approximately 35 km and leg #2 is approximately 25 km.
Schedule of Events
Friday
7:00 - 9:00 pm Mandatory Gear Check, Sign on and Race Package Pick-Up in the Elk Condo of the Hawood Inn, Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park.
Saturday
8:00 am Race/Tour starts at Elk Ridge Resort for both solo and relay teams. If you are part of a relay team and doing Leg 2 of the event, find your way to Sundogs Excursions at a time you think appropriate to make your exchange. There will be a group of people mushing at Sundogs so space will be limited; do not arrive there too early.
Noon to 10 pm: Feast! Make your way to Elk Condo in the Hawood Inn where volunteers will be serving up chili, salads, corn bread, buns, desserts, and drinks for all athletes and volunteers.
Accommodations
We have secured an amazing room rate for the event at the Hawood Inn in Waskesiu. $50/night! I recommend staying both Friday and Saturday nights--don't drive home tired! Sold out!!!
If you would rather stay closer to the start line, Elkridge Resort is offering everyone involved in the event a 20% discount on accommodations. To receive the discount, you must book directly through Ryan at: [email protected] If you would rather receive a $75 resort credit, you can use the promo code "Let it Snow" when you call to book. Check out their website: Elkrdige Resort
Also check out Lost Creek Resort.
Parking
Please park in the snowmobile parking lot. This is the huge lot in front of the clubhouse and is easy to find. As you enter the resort, the trail access is to the right and the snowmobile parking lot is straight ahead.
Checkpoints
Km 28 - Anglin Lake Shelter
Km 35 - Sundogs Excursions (turn-around point or start of Leg 2)
Km 42 - Anglin Lake Shelter
At the checkpoints, volunteers will provide you with warm fluids (gatorade and water). As the shelters are heated, this will also be a good place to eat the food that you have been carrying. However, eating and drinking at only the checkpoints may cause participants to bonk. Remind yourself to stop regularly to consume the fluid and food that you are carrying. All solo and team participants must check in at all of the check points and tell the volunteer their name. Make sure to refill your insulated water bottle here.
Bail-out options for solo racers/tourers
1. At approximately Km 14, there is a junction. If you are doubting your ability to finish, then is your first chance to abandon the race. Instead of turning left to continue, turn right and go back to the start/finish line.
2. At the turn-around point at Sundogs Excursions. Volunteers will be available to help you if you need to abandon or do not make the cut off time.
3. The Anglin Lake Shelter. Volunteers with a snowmobile will be available to assist you.
Other info
Walleye's Restaurant in the clubhouse at Elkridge will be open starting at 11 AM and will have "race specials". This is a good spot for everyone to have a drink or a meal while waiting for teammates or spouses to finish--also a good spot for volunteers to take a break.
Washrooms are located in the clubhouse.