The SFNSC Race Organizing Committee would like to invite Soo Finnish Club members to participate in a practice race. It will be an interval start time trial (one skier is released at a time) in free technique (skate or if you don’t skate you may classic). The purpose of this event is to give our skiers a chance to race locally, learn more about racing, and to help our volunteers prepare for hosting the Ontario University Athletics Championship in Nordic Skiing (Feb 20-23).
The Jackrabbit program will continue to operate on January 11:
- Coaches of Bunnyrabbits, Level 1, and Level 2 skiers are asked to avoid skiing on the race course after 11 am. You may still ski on the ball field, 1 km terrain park, and between the ball field and tennis court. Please use this opportunity to show your skiers what a race looks like and cheer!
- Coaches of Jackrabbits Level 3 and 4, Racing Rabbits, and Track Attack, High School Rec, Junior Ski & Senior Ski Team will encourage their skiers to participate in this opportunity, however, it is optional for skiers to participate. Coaches will do a group warm up and bring skiers to the start area no less than 10 minutes before the group’s race start time. Skiers of these groups who do not wish to participate will be encouraged to cheer for their teammates between 11-12, or they may ski with their parents/on their own on Pinder or Red Pine trails (no coach supervision). Please let your coach know your intentions.
- Parents of race participants are highly encouraged to be on site to cheer and provide support if not volunteering or coaching for the event. Bring your cowbells!
Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 11:00am to 1:00 pm (approx.)
Trails:
- 2 km Kinsmen Lighted Loop,
- 5 km Crystal Creek Main, and
- 2.5 km Olympic Loop
- Fat bike riders are asked to ride with extreme caution. Please fully stop at each crossing, and adjust tire pressure if sinking in order to minimize race disruption and uphold course conditions. If possible, please consider riding outside the race times of 11:00-13:00.
Eligibility:
- 2024-2025 SFNSC Club members only (membership may be purchased here)
- Participation is not limited to the following groups; however, skiers in these groups are strongly encouraged to take part: Jackrabbit Levels 3, 4, Racing Rabbits, Ski Teams, Algoma U Nordic Ski Team members. SKIERS MUST REGISTER ON ZONE4 IN ADVANCE. NO SAME DAY REGISTRATIONS.
- If a skier is unsure about participation, we recommend signing up on Zone4. If the skier chooses not to participate in the morning, the bib may be returned to the Race Office (blue clubhouse) and the skier will be listed as a DNS (Did Not Start).
Registration and Fees:
- To participate, athletes must register by Friday, January 10 at 5:00pm on Zone4 Registration Link
- There is no fee to participate in this practice race if you are a 2024-2025 SFNSC Club member.
- Club membership may be purchased on Zone4.
- Final start lists will be posted on Zone4 and onsite Saturday morning.
- Please report any Did Not Starts (DNS) to Race Office (blue clubhouse) on Saturday morning.
Event Categories and Distances:
| Group Suggestion | Age Category (YOB) | Free Technique, Interval Start
Distance |
Start Time
(approx.)* |
| High School Rec Senior Ski TeamAlgoma U Team |
U16 (2010, 2009)
U18 (2008, 2007) U20 (2006, 2005) U23 (2004, 2003, 2002) Open |
7.5 km (1 X 5 km Crystal Main + 2.5 km Olympic) | TBD
(second distance to start) |
| Junior Ski Team
High School Rec Senior Ski Team Algoma U Team |
U14 (2011, 2012)
U16 (2010, 2009) U18 (2008, 2007) U20 (2006, 2005) U23 (2004, 2003, 2002) Open |
5 km (1 X 5 km Crystal Main) | TBD
(third distance to start) |
| Level 3 Jackrabbits
Level 4 Jackrabbits Track Attack Racing Rabbits High School Rec |
U10 (2015, 2016)
U12 (2013, 2014) U14 (2011, 2012) U16 (2010, 2009) U18 (2008, 2007) U20 (2006, 2005) U23 (2004, 2003, 2002) Open |
2 km (1 X 2 km Kinsmen Lighted) | 11:00
(first distance to start) |
* race starts at 11am with the 2 km distance first, followed by the 7.5 km and the 5 km. Exact start times will be posted by Saturday morning after registration closes and the race file is created.
Race Course Information:
- 15 second intervals
- Start and finish at blue clubhouse
- Tracked start
- Two tracks along Kinsmen Lighted, one track along Crystal and Olympic
- Two finish lanes (untracked)
Post-Race Refreshments: Donuts, hot grape, and water will be available for participants at the finish line (blue clubhouse area).
Wax Protocols:
- Waxing products with fluoro are not permitted.
- Please wax on your own (no team waxing available).
Bib Pick Up and Return:
- Coaches of SFNSC youth groups (L3 and higher) will pick up their group’s bibs before lessons begin (10am) and will distribute to their skiers.
- For club members who are not in programs (open category), bib pickup is in the blue clubhouse between 9:30 and 10:30.
- Bib Return: please ensure bibs are returned at the finish line. There is a $75 fee for unreturned bibs.
Results:
- Results will be posted on Zone4 and soofinnishnordic.com.
On-Site Emergency Plan Overview
- An indoor First Aid Station set up in the blue clubhouse (767 Landslide Road) on Saturday. An AED is located in the Hiawatha Highlands chalet, 780 Landslide Rd.
- Inhalers, EpiPens, and other medications should be carried by athletes, parents or your club supporters in the stadium area, to be readily available in the event of an emergency.
- When calling EMS:
Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club, Hiawatha Highlands, Kinsmen Park
769-780 Landslide Road, Sault Ste. Marie
Phone Number: 705-256-7258
- Address of Sault Area Hospital: 750 Great Northern Rd, Sault Ste Marie
Directions from Hiawatha Highlands to Sault Area Hospital:
Head South onto Landslide Road leaving Hiawatha Highlands.
Continue onto Fifth Line.
Turn South/left onto Highway 17.
Stay on Highway 17- Great Northern Road for approximately 3.5 km.
Turn Left onto Lukenda Drive into Hospital driveway; follow signs to Emergency.