SUMMERSTOWN, Ontario – Hosted by the Friends of the Summerstown Forest, the 2022 Summerstown Forest Challenge Race and Summerstown Forest Dion Snowshoe Race was held on February 12. The mild weather was enjoyed by the volunteers, spectators and participants who gathered at the Summerstown Forest prior to the 10 a.m. start.
Race Director Gilles Parisien explained the Summerstown Forest Challenge Race is part of the Dion Eastern Ontario Snowshoe Running Series. The event is sponsored by Dion Snowshoes with Parisien explaining the company makes “the only truly modular snowshoe made right here in North America.”
This series is held at several locations in Eastern Ontario and attracts people from many parts of Ontario and Quebec. Parisien continued this race will be held on what he described as an ungroomed “single track snowshoe trail.”
“It’s going to be a good race” commented participant Lisa Leskien of Sydenham as she waited for the race to begin. Following last minute instructions from Parisien, participants made their way to the starting line of the race and shortly after 10 a.m., a horn sounded and they were off!
Jacques and Deborah Tessier are two of the many volunteers from the Friends of the Summerstown group which were on hand. Deborah explained they have been enjoying the forest for over 40 years ago, with Jacques explaining they enjoy volunteering for their community.
Peter Quevillon from St. Thomas was the winner of the 4.2 km race, with Bancroft’s Bernie Hogan being the first across the finish line in the Summerstown Forest Dion Snowshoe Race. Proceeds from the race will be provided to Beyond 21 in Cornwall.
