ENLARGEThe 42nd installment of the Frisco Gold Rush race weekend includes a 5k moonlight snowshoe race, a 15k Nordic skate, a 10k Nordic classic, a 5k Nordic freestyle, a bonfire, fireworks, a treasure hunt and a vintage ski parade — all of which will wrap up in time for kickoff on Sunday.
“This is the 42nd year of the Frisco Gold Rush. It's the longest running citizens' cross-country race in the state of Colorado,” said Seth Blackmer, recreation manager for the Town of Frisco.
The event has been seriously aided by recent dumps, which ensured all three courses will be single-lap races, as opposed to skiers circling each other around small loops like NASCAR drivers.
“We definitely have plenty of course out there for Nordic skiing,” Blackmer said. “The Frisco Nordic Ski Center is world-class. We'll be setting the course later this week, and it looks like we're going to be able to extend the course into pretty spectacular terrain.”
One aspect of the race that attracts both local skiers and athletes from all over Colorado is the robust history of the event, Blackmer said. The race used to start over by the Holiday Inn in Frisco and head out across the lake, toward the peninsula.
This year, all of the races will take place at the adventure park, with 300 participants expected. “There are people that travel quite extensively, but we're expecting mostly locals and Front Rangers. Obviously, a lot of the locals are here to support Summit Nordic Ski Club, a message that will be loud and clear.”
Proceeds from the weekend benefit the ski club and local athletes hoping to compete in the Junior Olympics. “We're very proud to be able to give some of that money back to the Summit Nordic Ski Club,” Blackmer said.
All experience levels are welcome at the Gold Rush, from former Olympic athletes to Nordic novices, for whom the 5k fun ski is best suited. Participants say it's an exiting environment that can be as relaxed or competitive as each athlete chooses to make it.
“Even though you line up against some pretty serious racers, you don't have to be a serious racer to come and compete in the Frisco Gold Rush — all types of equipment, all types of athletic ability. We see everyone from the kids coming out to compete in the 5k, all the way up to people in their 80s,” Blackmer said.
Other activities, in addition to the races, include the Spontaneous Combustion, the seventh annual lighting of the community bonfire, the Gold Rush fireworks display, historic lectures and museum movie night.
Registration fees start at $15. Day-of registration is $30, and will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday for the Nordic races. For more information about the Gold Rush races, call the Frisco Nordic Center at (970) 668-2558 or visit www.townoffrisco.com.
“This is the 42nd year of the Frisco Gold Rush. It's the longest running citizens' cross-country race in the state of Colorado,” said Seth Blackmer, recreation manager for the Town of Frisco.
The event has been seriously aided by recent dumps, which ensured all three courses will be single-lap races, as opposed to skiers circling each other around small loops like NASCAR drivers.
“We definitely have plenty of course out there for Nordic skiing,” Blackmer said. “The Frisco Nordic Ski Center is world-class. We'll be setting the course later this week, and it looks like we're going to be able to extend the course into pretty spectacular terrain.”
One aspect of the race that attracts both local skiers and athletes from all over Colorado is the robust history of the event, Blackmer said. The race used to start over by the Holiday Inn in Frisco and head out across the lake, toward the peninsula.
This year, all of the races will take place at the adventure park, with 300 participants expected. “There are people that travel quite extensively, but we're expecting mostly locals and Front Rangers. Obviously, a lot of the locals are here to support Summit Nordic Ski Club, a message that will be loud and clear.”
Proceeds from the weekend benefit the ski club and local athletes hoping to compete in the Junior Olympics. “We're very proud to be able to give some of that money back to the Summit Nordic Ski Club,” Blackmer said.
All experience levels are welcome at the Gold Rush, from former Olympic athletes to Nordic novices, for whom the 5k fun ski is best suited. Participants say it's an exiting environment that can be as relaxed or competitive as each athlete chooses to make it.
“Even though you line up against some pretty serious racers, you don't have to be a serious racer to come and compete in the Frisco Gold Rush — all types of equipment, all types of athletic ability. We see everyone from the kids coming out to compete in the 5k, all the way up to people in their 80s,” Blackmer said.
Other activities, in addition to the races, include the Spontaneous Combustion, the seventh annual lighting of the community bonfire, the Gold Rush fireworks display, historic lectures and museum movie night.
Registration fees start at $15. Day-of registration is $30, and will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday for the Nordic races. For more information about the Gold Rush races, call the Frisco Nordic Center at (970) 668-2558 or visit www.townoffrisco.com.
