Skiathon is back as mass start race
Stan Justice, left, prepares to signal skiers to begin the Skiathon during an event year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the past two years, racers competed on their own during a weekend window. This year's race will again be a mass start.
The Skiathon, a 20-kilometer classic-style ski race and tour, will be held on the UAF trails Sunday, March 5.
This year's race will feature a mass start at 11 a.m. Bib pickup is from 10-10:45 a.m. in the UAF ski hut.
The annual event is a fundraiser for UAF trails work. The registration fee is $15 if received by noon March 4. Late registration is $40.
To register, complete the entry and waiver forms, which can be found at Beaver Sports, 3480 College Rd., or printed from the UAF Trails Club’s webpage. Leave the payment and paperwork at Beaver Sports or mail it to Skiathon, 1750 Reed Circle, Fairbanks AK 99709.
The Skiathon course is a winding loop that uses many of the UAF North Campus trails, which will be groomed with classic tracks and marked. Visit the club’s webpage for a race map. The route will start on the wide powerline downhill from the UAF ski hut, which is located across Tanana Loop from the Akasofu Building on UAF’s West Ridge.
To reduce the COVID-19 risk, organizers ask that entrants remain 6 feet apart, wear masks if that distance can't be maintained and avoid using the ski hut. If entering the ski hut, wear a mask.
Finishers will receive a Skiathon patch.
For more information, call or email Stan Justice at 907-479-5017 or stanjustice@acsalaska.net.