October 7, 2008 (Wilmington, NY) – A very unique event took place today at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, NY. A group of 80 cross-country skiers from around the country competed in the 2nd annual “Climb to the Castle” Rollerski Race. The event started at Santa’s Workshop where athletes warmed up for the 8% climb up the Whiteface Memorial Highway.

The race format was a mass start with the women going out first and the men following 10 minutes later. The athletes double poled for a short distance then begin to skate. The 8km/5-mile course made its way up beautiful Whiteface Mountain where the views were spectacular with snow falling in pockets and sunshine trying to illuminate bits and pieces of the mountains in the distance.

The event was originally scheduled to begin at the Whiteface Toll Booth of the Memorial Highway but adverse weather conditions forced the start to be moved down the mountain 2.4km/1.5 miles to the Santa’s workshop parking area.

“When we initially drove up the highway to check out the road there was snow and ice covering the last 3.2km/2 miles of the steep climb.” “We opted to delay the start from 9am until 10:30am and move the start down the mountain,” stated Margaret Maher, Head Cross Country Coach for the New York Ski Educational Foundation based at Whiteface Mountain. While there are green trees just the South of the Lake Placid/Wilmington area, snow was not only on the top of the mountain but flurries where falling with most of the leaves just past peak.

Results (Top 3)

Men
1. Robert Douglas (National Guard) MM3 32:26.44
2. Kris Freeman (USST) MSR 34:22.90
3. Noah Hoffman (USST) MOJ 36:56.87

Women
1. Caitlin Compton (CXC) FSR 45:19.91
2. Morgan Arritola (USST) FU23 45:27.89
3. Elizabeth Stephen (USST) FU23 45:52.83

A partnership between the New York Ski Educational Foundation and the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) made this event a huge success. “Bringing US Ski Team athletes and athletes from clubs around the country highlights the commitment of ORDA to keeping youth athletics, fitness and competition as an integral part of our landscape” said Lisa Gouwens, NYSEF Executive Director.

If you would like more information on NYSEF or full results, view www.nysef.org and click the Nordic tab.