OCR Text |
Show Overland race promises plenty of punishment OK, you triathletes, you marathon runners and long distance skiers, here is a nordic race worthy of your restless spirits: the first ever Park West Overland. It is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. sharp Saturday. The 13-mile route from ParkWest to Mill Creek Canyon is three times longer than the only other local event of its kind, the Wasatch Overland. And if you thought that race (from Brighton to Park City) was challenging, wait 'til you climb this course. Saturday's event includes a grueling three-mile ascent with an altitude gain of 2,400 feet followed by a ten-mile descent which is likely to be fraught with natural obstacles. ob-stacles. The race is being cosponsored by ParkWest and the White Pine Touring Center. According to White Pine's race coordinator Steve Erickson, it could become an annual event. ParkWest is planning a summer sequel for runners over the same route, said Erickson. A hard-core group of local competitors has been out testing the course all week. They figure that the winning win-ning time will be somewhere around an hour and 20 minutes, said Erickson. Most of the participants, however, will need two to two-and-a-half hours to cover the distance, he said. "Anything goes as far as nordic equipment, but climbing skins will probably be very helpful," said Erickson. He also recommended heavier touring equipment over racing skis to overcome the crusted conditions near the summit. "It is important for anyone planning to enter to be aware of the nature of overland racing. There will be lots of natural obstacles like fallen trees, a stream crossing, regular weekend skiers and dogs. It is the skier's responsibility to watch out," he said. But those who are willing to accept the risks will be rewarded with a spectacular view from the top of the Wasatch Divide. If the sky is clear on Saturday and if racers take the time for a quick look, they will be able to see as far north as Ben Lomond Peak and as far south as Lone Peak. And if they hang in there down the 10-mile descent to the Log Haven Restaurant, there will be awards and refreshments. Registration for the ParkWest Overland will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at ParkWest. The entry fee will be $7. Preregistration forms are now available at the White Pine Touring Center, Wasatch Touring and ParkWest with an early entry fee of $6. The race will feature a LeMans-style start at 10 a.m. with a mad dash for the snow and skis from a Park-West Park-West deck. For more information call 649-8701 . |