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2011 TD Bank
CRAFTSBURY MARATHON XXX
Release September 22, 2010
From: John Brodhead
802-586-7767 x 26
johnbrod@Craftsbury.com
The thirtieth edition of Vermont's TD Bank Craftsbury Marathon, presented by the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, is scheduled for Saturday, January 29, 2011.
On line registration will open November 1st, 2010. The limit has been set to 1000 for the 2011 event. The event has filled in the past, so racers should sign up early. The mid-winter date and high course elevation assure good snow conditions on marathon day.
Cross-country skiers have the option of doing a 25 or 50 kilometer race. Skiers will use the classical technique on beautifully groomed trails through some of New England's most scenic countryside. Nearly two-hundred volunteers will be assisting one thousand entrants. Last year over forty sponsors from the ski industry contributed twenty thousand dollars worth of prizes and services for the event.
This year's route passes through the towns of Albany and Craftsbury, two small villages in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The marathon starts on Craftsbury Common at 9:00 AM and then makes a circuit of the Craftsbury Outdoor Center's beautiful trails. Both 25 and 50k courses finish on the Common as well, generally acclaimed one of New England's most scenic villages.
The trail climbs and descends nearly 3000 feet over 50 kilometers. Some of the descents and turns are quite challenging and combined with the distance require at least intermediate skiing skills and good endurance. At 9:00 AM the wave starts will be a spectacular display of color and speed as members of elite teams and citizen racers charge from the line.
We will award locally handcrafted pottery for the top three in each ten-year marathon racing age class and special "25% club" pins to each racer who finishes within 25% of the class winner.
Racers should also be sure to sign up for the Onion River Sports Dash for Cash night sprints on January 28, 2011. This fun event kicks off the weekend with the opportunities for local heroes to go head to head with some of the fastest skiers in the country on an out-and-back 200 meter course with a $1000 purse. All age/gender classes winners will be awarded handcrafted bowls. Special merchandise prizes will be awarded to combined sprint and 50k marathon participants.
As was the case last year, the tremendously popular Marathon Tour will have its own date - March 5, 2011. In addition to the generally milder spring weather of March, touring participants will enjoy arguably the most scenic 25k point to point course in New England skiing as they travel from Greensboro's Highland Lodge to the Craftsbury Outdoor Center.
Children and their parents are encouraged to tour this course together, enjoying Vermont's spectacular outdoors. The untimed tour affords participants the option of being pampered by friendly volunteers at four gourmet food stations sponsored by a variety of local inns, restaurants and delis, making this tour a fun adventure for the whole family.
The TD Bank Craftsbury Marathon is a member of the prestigious American Ski Marathon Series and has been designated one of the "Top Ten Winter Events" of Vermont by the State Chamber of Commerce again this winter.
You may call (802)586-7767, email us at stay@craftsbury.com, or check our web site at www.craftsbury.com for more detailed information and online registration.
