2024 Dion Snowy Soles Snowshoe Race - Results
Despite warm and rainy weather this week, there was plenty of snow at Vanderwater Conservation Area for the Snowy Soles Snowshoe Race! The warm temperature made for soft conditions, and combined with the relentlessly rolling hills it was a tough one for the runners.
Bernie Hogan was the overall winner for the 2nd race in a row after his win at the Mighty Chickadee race last weekend. He flew around the 6.8km course in 36:54, almost 6 minutes ahead of 2nd place Alastair MacPherson.
For the women, Leslie Huffman was the first across the line in 50:05. This was Leslie's first snowshoe race, but as a local knows the trails at Vanderwater well.
Another interesting race note was Michal Kapral's run while juggling- as far as we know, this is the first time ever in the world that anyone has juggled while running a snowshoe race. Michal is a multiple world record holder for various distances for the world's fastest times while juggling.
As always, our volunteers were a huge help. Jody Hynes and Phillipe Friolet took care of hauling gear out to the finish line, manning the fire, and making hot drinks for the runners. Jenny Pust was our sweep runner, making sure everyone was safely off the course and cleaning up course markings along the way.
Thanks again to series sponsors Dion Snowshoes, Spafford Health and Adventure, XACT Nutrition, in addition to all of the local sponsors, and with support from Snowshoe Canada.
The next races in the Dion Canadian Snowshoe Series will be the Dion Flurry Snowshoe Race in Mt Hope, ON and the Dion Snownergie Snowshoe Race in Boischatel, QC
on February 3.
