August 16, 2014 (New Zealand) – The USA’s Noah Hoffman and Canada’s Brian McKeever landed on the men’s 42km podium in second and third as perfect conditions set the stage for the Merino Muster held on Aug. 16, one of four new Worldloppetts announced in June. Poland’s Maciej Kreczmer took the win.

Men's 42km podium (l-r) McKeever 3rd, Kreczmer 1st, Hoffman 2nd. © courtesy of Noah Hoffman

Other Canadian starters included Paralympic medalist Mark Arendz who claimed 4th and sit-ski Paralympic gold medalst Chris Klebl who raced in the 21km event and finished 8th. Read Hoffman’s great report on the race here.

Race leaders...with Kowalczyk and Jaskowiec behind © courtesy of Noah Hoffman

Justyna Kowalcyzk (POL) took the women’s 42km race while lone North American Liz Gammelon (USA) was 8th. Canada’s Brittany Hudak delivered a top result in the women’s 21km race finishing 2nd overall while Xavier McKeever placed 8th in the 21km men’s race.

The international race attracted approximately 300 competitors with three race distances – 7 kilometers, 21 kilometers and 42 kilometers – read more on the race here.

Full results here.