March 15, 2013 (Biwabik, MN) – Adam Swank of Duluth, MN won the men’s 48km free technique race at 29th Annual Pepsi Challenge Cross Country Ski Race held at Giants Ridge on March 9 in a time of 2:36:27.8, followed three minutes later by Chris Sachs. The race for third place was the truly exciting one, with five skiers all finishing within the same minute, and it was Drew Holbrook who won the battle for the final spot on the podium.

In the women’s 48km competition, Lynne Cecil was the big winner, sneaking into the top-20 overall with a time of 2:59:06.2. Local favourite, Jan Guenther, who runs Gear West, finished second, a mere three seconds behind, followed by Heather Norton-Bower in third.

In the men’s 24km free race, Philip Rogers finished first in a time of 1:23:32.0. Boyd Smith and Jesse Olson finished second and third, respectively.

Kristin Madsen took the win in the women’s 24km event in a time of 1:33:05.7, which was good enough for 10th overall. Second place, Erin Moening, was only 6s behind, followed by Ashley Herman in third.

Veteran skier Jennie Bender (CXC) logged the fastest overall time in the 24km classic race, besting men’s winner Tamer Mische-Richter by 9s. Sam Myers was the top men’s finisher in the 10k freestyle competition, with Sophie Schulder placing third overall and grabbing the women’s victory.

Full results HERE.