Sleeping Giant Loppet offers Nordic event for just about everyone

The 39th annual Sleeping Giant Loppet promises to be even more family friendly in 2016.

Race co-ordinator Peter Gallagher said while the top prizes in the distances races are generally won by world-class skiers, there’s plenty to offer those just looking to get out for a day on the trails.

“The elite athletes are a very small component of the event,” Gallagher said Tuesday at Kamview Nordic Centre, where an early registration launch kicked off with a ceremonial race.

“We’re giving the opportunity for parents to pull their small children in a chariot – a pulk or a small sled people can tow behind. In the eight-kilometre event, which our family mini-loppet, people can come out with their child and participate in the event as well.”

It’s an idea that’s been brewing for several years, but for a variety of reasons had been resisted because of safety concerns.

They’re also introducing a 50-kiolometre skiathalon to the mix, participants skiing classic-style for 22 kilometres before switching equipment and skiing the remaining distance skate-style.

Traditional 50-kilometre skate and classic races are the marquee event at this year’s Loppet, scheduled for March 5 at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

There will also be 20- and 35-kilometre races.

“There is an event and a distance that’s suitable for every level of skier,” Gallagher said.

Lakehead University skier Bryana Van Leeuwen said she had no idea what she was getting into four years ago when friends and fellow athletes convinced her to sign up for her first Sleeping Giant Loppet.

She said on the bus-ride out she sat next to an octogenarian who told her tales of past races and the fun he’d had taking part.
Then when she arrived, she was blown away by what she saw.

“It was amazing there. There were families, tons of kids, tons of racing athletes, so many people that had come together for this one event to go and ski through this beautiful place that we live in,” the Ottawa native said.

It’s a testament to the tightly knit ski community that exists in Northwestern Ontario, Van Leeuwen added.

“That’s one of the things I love about Thunder Bay the most,” she said.

Early registration at sleepinggiantloppet.ca ends on Feb. 1, though participants can still sign up until March 1, with a slight price increase.

Late registration will be accepted at Kamview Nordic Centre on March 3 and 4 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no race-day registration available.

For more information, phone 475-7081.