March 29, 2010 (Soda Springs, CA) – Over 260 racers skied either the Gold (45km), Silver (30km),  Bronze (15km), or Junior (3km) Rush on a warm sunny day at Royal Gorge. The Gold Rush was won by Matt Gelso with a time of 1:57:53. Andrew Johnson and Marshall Greene were 2nd and 3rd . Maria Grafnings won for the women with a time of 2:06:44. Beth Reid and Laura McCabe were 2nd and 3rd.

In the 30km Silver Rush, Far West junior Austin Meng was first with a time of 1:24:33 and Justin Ondry and Carl Reid were 2nd and 3rd. Joanne Reid was first women at 1:28:18, with Kara LaPoint and Cathy Howard taking 2nd and 3rd.

In the 15km Bronze Rush Adele Espy was 1st overall and 1st woman with a time of 43:35.9. Debbie Hakansson and Raylene Chew were 2nd and 3rd women. Jackson Rohlf was 1st man at 45:30.5, and John Munger and Joe Piercy were 2nd and 3rd. In the 3km Junior Rush, Lizzie Larkins was 1st overall and 1st woman and Wesley Romer was 1st man.

Although Sunday’s races attract top racers from all over the Nation, and many local racers and recreational skiers take part as well. You do not have to be a racer to enjoy this event. They encourage all cross country ski enthusiasts to come and join in this great fundraising event.

Saturday before the races there were events for kids and recreational skiers. Fischer and Salomon held a Demo day, free with a trail pass. And “Gold Nuggets” was a special event for kids ages 4-10yrs – A fun obstacle course outside the lodge.

Hosted by Royal Gorge and presented by Far West Nordic and Auburn Ski Club, the California Gold Rush is part of the American Ski Marathon Series. It is also a key fundraiser for the Far West Nordic Ski Association’s Junior Ski Programs. Royal Gorge donates 100% of the proceeds to Far West’s programs.

Full results here.

Results (brief)

Men
1.    Matthew Gelso (Truckee, CA) 1:57:53
2.    Andrew Johnson (Park City, UT) 1:58:13
3.    Marshall Green (Bend, OR) 1:58:28
4.    Tav Streit (Sacramento, CA) 2:02:14
5.    Lutz Preussler ( Reno, NV) 2:05:28

Women
1.    Maria Grafnings (Reno, NV) 2:06:44
2.    Beth Reid (Palo Alto, CA) 2:06:49
3.    Laura McCabe (Winthrop, WA) 2:15:37
4.    Lenka Palanova (Boulder, CO) 2:23:36
5.    Polina Ermoshina (Albuquerque, NM) 2:24:55