March 01, 2011 (West Yellowstone, MT) – The 32nd annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race will be held on March 5, 2011. Local legend, Nordic shop owner, and member of the race organizing committee, Kelli Sanders, invites all skiers to join her on race day. Sanders was asked to describe the course and here is what she said.

– Start- Listen for the boom of the cannon and it is race on.
– 1k- All out, it is flat and wide open.
– 2k- The terrain is rolling. Anticipate the first steady climb followed by a short herringbone hill.
– 3 to 5k- Enjoy the gentle terrain with a long easy downhill that rolls into the first feed station.
– 5k, 1st feed. – Thank you to the volunteers from the Forest Service manning the station.
– 5 to 7k- Continue gentle terrain with a horseshoe bend.
– 8 to 9k- Expect a couple of short hills with button hook turns.
– 10k- Go fast down the long descend.
– 11k- What a sight. It is a gradual long climb with open views.
– 12k- Bob up and down and look around. The scenery is beautiful in this stretch. Roll up to second feed station.
– 12k, 2nd feed.– Look for volunteers from the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation and other local groups.
– 13 to 14k- Brace for the long climb back up to Dead Dog.
– 15 to 18k- Gradual downhill and rolling terrain to the 3rd feed station.
– 18k, 3rd feed. – The West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce shows their support.
– 18k- Rolling up with little relief.
– 19k- Slow going at the longest/steepest climb of race course.
– 20 to 21k- Recover on this fun stretch over rolling terrain and enjoy the twists and turns.
– 22k- Last gradual long climb on the race course with a steep ‘S’ descent.
– 23 to 24k- Rolling into biathlon cabin area.
– 25k- Flat and wide open back to finish area for 25k or head under the arch for the second lap. 50k racers get to do it all again and will find the last feed station near the trailhead building.

After crossing the finish line, all skiers are invited to the Ambulance/Fire Station for the final feed. West Yellowstone Boy Scouts are on-hand to serve warm soup, drinks, and other snacks as skiers recover from the marathon. Stick around for the evening Awards Ceremony, complimentary dessert bar, raffle, and live music at the Holiday Inn.

Late registration is open until noon MST on Thursday, March 3rd. The extended weather forecast looks promising. It will be a great weekend to ski in West Yellowstone.
More info can be found at www.rendezvousrace.com