Editor’s note: The results from the annual Muskoka Loppet were received past the sports deadline for last week’s edition. Here is a compilation of information submitted by Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club members about the event. For more information on the loppet visit the club’s website at www.arrowheadnordic.ca.
The annual Muskoka Loppet ski race on Jan. 24 had 184 skiers and over 30 snowshoe racers.
A few of the highlights were:
In the men’s 30 km race, the fastest man was Ken Hawthorne of Bracebridge with a time of 1:41:46. Also impressive was 14-year-old Brady Irving of Huntsville as he raced 30 km in just under two hours (1:58:05).
In the women’s 30 km race, the youngest competitor was 17-year-old Robyn Klinkman of Port Sydney, who trains with Arrowhead Nordic and completed the course in 2:29:14. Tracy Marshall of Port Sydney had the second best time of all women in the 30 km race with a time of 2:10:45
In the men’s 15 km race, the best overall time was our own Ryan Atwood of Huntsville with a time of 50:31. Ryan is only 15-years-old competing in the age 15-16 category. Sixteen-year-old Cameron Raynor of Huntsville was third overall with a time of 53: 31.
Also impressive was Risto Santala of Minden with a time of 56:48 in the age category of 70-plus.
In the women’s 15 km race, the best overall time was 15-year-old Natalia Hawthorn of Bracebridge with a clocking of 53:46. Second was Huntsville’s Monique Derbyshire while competing in the 17-19-year-old category (1:08:20). Ryley Atwood of Huntsville was impressive in coming third overall while competing in the women’s 13-14 year division (1:08:21).
In the 5 km kids’ and social division, the youngest competitor was Ben Degans in the age 5-6 category. This was Ben’s second year skiing in the Loppet.
Back for its second year, the snowshoe races featured a huge increase from four to 43 competitors and the event attracted runners from North Bay to Toronto. Held on the Hardwood Hill Trail, the wide cross country ski trail led to some fast times.
New this year was a 9 km relay. In this race, each team had to share just one pair of snowshoes.
“This format allows for more people to get involved in this fast-growing sport even if they don’t yet own their own snowshoes,” said race director Neil Jefferson.
The winners were: men’s 3 km – Kevin Farthing, 18:13; women’s 3km – Joanne Merkley, 24:12; men’s 9 km – Troy Cox, 41:43; women’s 9km – Joan Smith, 55:03; 9 km relay – Team Benjamin Brzezynski, 49:36.