Yorkton Cross Country Ski Club hosted its seventh annual Sundog Challenge Saturday March 7, at Yorkton's Deer Park Golf Course.
The recent mild temperatures had the club's President Bob Purton concerned that the snow conditions would not be favorable but club groomer Mike Giroux managed to get them set up early Saturday morning so that both Classic and Skate trails were ready to go by 10 Saturday morning.
The Sundog Challenge invites skiers to challenge themselves to ski either a full marathon of 42 km or a half marathon of 21 km. Or simply strive for their personal best. The course consists of 3 loops of varying terrain totaling 7 km.
Club President Bob Purton stated that each loop has its own challenges varying from fairly level to some challenging hills, giving any level of skier a good training workout.
Yorkton's Cross Country Ski Club Youth Program's Head Coach Joanne Maloff had her group of young skiers out taking on the trails along with club members and visiting skiers from Preeceville.
The youth program under Maloff's direction and along with coaches Warren Popick, Wayne Clark, Ray Bailey have really produces an excellent group of young skiers in our club. Being the second year that the program has been active our kids have taken each stage of their development seriously and have impressed both their coaches and parents alike.
"The club is very proud of the kids", states Purton, "the skill level each has gained this year is amazing and one has to give full credit to the time and dedication of Maloff and her fellow coaches. It's amazing to how fast these kids can go!"
The Sundog Challengers had Kai Cowan in top spot with 28 km's skate skied followed by Wayne Clark who skied 26km classic. Half marathoners (21KM) were Wendy Wilson, George Sudsbear, Ken Fredrick.
The day wrapped up with a chili luncheon and everyone simply proud of their own accomplishments on the trails.
The Yorkton Club has grown again in membership this year with many new skiers taking up the sport as a result of our equipment rentals, the rentals have proven a great way for people to give the sport a try first before making the investment of new equipment.
Skiers that come to Deer Park can usually expect the trails to be in excellent condition thanks to our club volunteer groomers Ken Gedak and Mike Giroux. Plus having access to the Club house for the club rentals, the youth program and as a spot to warm up for parents and skiers alike, it's has been a winning combination for the love of the sport of cross country sking and its future in Yorkton.
