The race is on with the annual Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet returning for its 40th year.
The Larch Hills Nordic Society’s traditional event makes the most of winter with some friendly competition that dates back to 1985 when the loppet first debuted as the Larch Hills Marathon. In 1987 it was renamed in honour Keski-Salmi, of one of the club’s founding members and an international cross-country skiing champion who died in a helicopter crash while working with wildfire crews two years prior.
Keeping Keski-Salmi’s memory alive, this year’s loppet is now open for registration for skiers of all ages and abilities, with recreational and competitive circuits that have runs ranging from five kilometres to 34. Entry fees range from $17-42, depending on age and category, with prices including an aprés ski lunch at the hill, a pool pass to the SASCU Rec Centre and entry to the wine and cheese celebration that evening. Proceeds from the event support the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The races have staggered start times beginning at 10 a.m., with the last one ending at 1:45 p.m. With the younger groups having shorter runs, they’ll have an awards presentation at 11:30 a.m., with the top three skiers in the U5, U8, U10 and U12 classes getting a chocolate medal.
Awards for all other competitive categories will take place at the wine and cheese celebration, with doors opening at 4 p.m., followed by the presentations at 5 p.m. There will also be prize draws for the recreation categories, a showing of the loppet video, pizza by the slice and a cash bar.
The RKS Loppet will take place on Saturday, Jan. 20, with Jan. 17 the deadline to register, which can be done online at www.skilarchhills.ca.
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