Yeti - Whistler Olympic Park February 18th 2012,
Recap, by Tara Colpitts
On the same hallowed grounds as Olympic Nordic athletes made
their mark in 2010, the Yeti Snowshoe Races offered participants a
chance to toe the start line this morning in anticipation. Although
the global media was not quite as well represented as two years
ago, these racers got a sense of the international energy and
cheered each other on with no hesitation. Even the Yeti got in to
the spirit, running alongside various participants to push them
forward up the hill.
These racers didn't need recognition or accreditation,they had
come for the sheer excitement of the event and were welcomed by a
sense of camaraderie not often found in competition. But surrounded
by picture postcard-worthy views and lightly falling snowflakes how
could you be anything except grateful for the experience?
On a new course route this year, racers of both the Sport and
Enduro series finished another Yeti season off with supreme
efforts. Winner of the Mount Washington Enduro race just a few
weeks ago, Shaun Stephens-Whale clinched another 1st with a time of
1:01:50, followed by a 2nd place finish in the Men's category by
Daniel Ribi, and Daryl Wood in 3rd. The Enduro women were led by
Allison Ezzat with a finishing time of 1:20:01 and Nancy Fedoruk in
2nd and Francie Crowley in 3rd.
In quick strides, the Sport race athletes tore up the course,
having to ignore the distracting beauty of their Callaghan
surroundings for a more leisurely visit. Willi Ribi paved the way
with a 1st place finish of 45:05, and Bill Whitmore smiled his way
across for 2nd place in the Men's category, followed by Eric
Lorenz. Twelve year old Sophie Pereira gracefully swiped 1st for
the women with a time of 49:29, and had Janet Henri and Sharon Chen
with strong 2nd and 3rd place finishes follow behind. With the
sunshine burning through the cloud cover by the awards ceremony,
all participants, sponsors and spectators enjoyed the vibe - not to
mention the ample prizing thanks to MEC, Atlas, Arc'teryx, Clif
Bar, Sleemans, Ryders Eyewear, Kicking Horse Coffee, and
Conform'able.
Paradise, a love of true sport, and lasting friendships and
memories - an Olympic-sized event indeed!
