SUMMERSTOWN, Ontario – Snowshoers gave winter a run for her money at the fifth annual Dion Snowshoe Race. The Dion Race kicked off their final event of the series to determine the champion at the Summerstown Trails on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018.
The contestants left the starting line at 10 a.m. and returned for the first half of the race by 10:45 a.m. to conclude the Summerstown Forest challenge, a 3.5 km trek.
Snowshoers who continued on for the next half of the race were in the running for the title of this year’s champion.
In order to become the champion, runners would have to finish first in the 7.5 km trail.
Gilles Parisien, organizer the event, said, “It’s going to be challenging as there is a little bit of moisture in the snow, which sticks to the bottom of the snowshoes, but other than that we couldn’t ask for better conditions.”
With last night’s snowfall, many of the trails were pristine and covered with fresh powder producing conditions like no other.
For many running the race, it was all in good fun.
“There is some good comradery here, everyone is having a good time, and the weather is great!” explained Chuck Charlton.
Charlton came from Ottawa just to run in this year’s race after completing last year’s event.
Medals and prizes were awarded to the top three contestants and to the top masters of men and women.
Dion Snowshoes provided equipment rentals and invite anyone to register for next year’s race.
