It’s great exercise, easy to learn, and a fun way to get outside and enjoy winter: it’s snowshoe racing and there may be a new Muskoka-based event for enthusiasts and newbies alike next year.
Running with snowshoes is not as difficult as it might sound. Racing snowshoes are smaller than typical walking snowshoes and the cleats and bindings are designed for a running stride, making running with snowshoes similar to fair weather running, notes David Robinson, president of Snowshoe Canada. The resistance created by the snow and the drag of the snowshoes makes it a very aerobic activity.
Although winter is on its way out for 2019, Snowshoe Canada is already planning for next year. The nonprofit organization sanctions snowshoe events across the country and is looking to Muskoka as a possible location.
“We are looking across Canada for locations that have reliable snow cover through the winter months,” says Robinson. Other boxes that the club needs to tick include an established set of snowshoe trails, a nearby indoor venue that can accommodate at least 100 people, and an experienced club or race director. And, of course, people interested in participating.
Snowshoe Canada has enlisted the help of local triathlon club TriMuskoka to gauge local interest. The club recently created a survey for its members and followers to help determine what kind of support an event, which would include a snowshoe race and perhaps also a fat biking component, might receive in the area. TriMuskoka president, Jon Morton, says the response has been positive.
“So far, the survey is showing overwhelming interest in this type of event in Huntsville / Muskoka,” he says, noting that the area is already well-known for sport tourism with a number of successful events like the TriMuskokan, Ironman 70.3 and Band on the Run. “These events drive visitors into our region and, in turn, stimulate the local economy. As importantly, they also provide an opportunity for our own community members to get outside and promote healthy, active lifestyles. A winter sporting event like this would bring similar benefits, attracting visitors and helping to promote health and wellness in our community. We know that Huntsville is a great winter season destination with many activities to choose from. This event will complement those and continue to make our town a top winter destination.”
Snowshoe race distances are typically 5km and 10km, with a 500m kids’ sprint race often included in the event. It’s open to all ages and abilities and, as in a standard road race, there’s a marked and marshalled course, professional timing, finisher’s medallions, awards, and a post-race meal.
Snowshoe racers begin the Craigleith Switchback Challenge in 2018 (Photo: Craigleith Ski Club)
The sport is growing, notes Robinson. “We are moving this from a casual recreational hobby to more of an organized sport similar to running, cycling or triathlon,” he says. “Snowshoe Canada has been acting as a national non-profit for about six years now and we are affiliated with the World Snowshoe Federation which has been in existence for about 10 years.”
The world championships will be held in Japan next February and they expect 500 participants. Snowshoe Canada anticipates having 10 events next year. The Ontario provincial championships will be held in Fenelon Falls; the Canadian championships will be in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec.
“Participating in an organized event puts you in a group of like-minded people who enjoy a simple winter activity,” says Robinson. “It can be an individual challenge to get your personal best time or come with a group of friends and form a team.”
Photo: Snowshoe Canada
Morton adds, “Whether you live locally or enjoy visiting this area, getting outside with family, friends, or by yourself is a great way to stay fit in a time of year when it is often difficult to find the motivation. A snowshoe event like this is another great way to enjoy the outdoors and at the same time, participate in a fun, challenging event that has been successful in other communities like ours in Ontario, and across Canada.”
If you’re interested in participating, you can complete TriMuskoka’s survey here.
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Sounds like a great event. Sorry I hadn’t heard of the one run by the Nordic Ski Club. May not have moved back here then.
It might be of worth to note that Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club used to run snowshoe races in conjunction with their winter Loppet. Neil Jefferson of The Limberlost Challenge used to organize this event. I believe that Neil needed more support from the community in order to continue with this event and it was not forthcoming.
Perhaps Trimuskoka should reach out to Neil and make him part of the planning process!