While speedskating enthusiasts in the Dutch community keep their eyes on European weather reports, those involved in the Sylvan Lake Ice Marathon are predicting greater participation in their three day event later this month.
The one disappointment, they agree, will be the lack of skaters from the Netherlands. The reason — ice fever is sweeping those countries and thousands are waiting to hear whether the historic 11 cities race will be held for the first time since 1997.
A Reuters article last Thursday said some 16,000 competitors are hoping to take part in the 200 km. (124 mile) Elfstedentocht marathon along the frozen canals in the Dutch province of Friesland. The event is only held when ice on the entire course if frozen to a depth of at least six inches.
Here in Sylvan Lake, where the event was started with the Elfstedentocht in mind, Mike Messing and a crew from Foothills Speed Skating Marathon Association began their preparations last Thursday, carving a 5 km. loop on the lake just east of the rinks which will be used for Sylvan Lake Pond Hockey Tournament the same weekend as their event.
Sanctioned as the North American Speed Skating Championship by Speed Skating Canada, the Sylvan Lake event takes place Feb. 23-25.
The organization hopes to draw more skaters from eastern Canada and the United States because of the championship nature of the races.
They’ve also partnered with Silver Skate Festival in Edmonton to create the Alberta International Speed Skating Week from Feb. 18-25 which includes five marathon races.
Ice near the pond hockey rinks was measured at 18 inches, last Thursday, but further east it increased to 24 inches allowing a grader to do its work. As well, because the water level in the lake is so high, they’ve been able to make their track closer to shore.
The next stage of developing the track will be flooding it, said Messing. Because of this work, he said the organization “would really appreciate if people would stay off track with vehicles.” When they were cleaning the track there were already young people in cars using it as a race track.
“It would be hopeless if we have to reflood every time because people break the little thin layer of ice with water underneath it,” Messing said.
“From what we’ve seen the ice looks good,” he added. Because the weather hasn’t been really cold there aren’t the big explosion cracks which can be dangerous for skaters.
The weather may even co-operate. The long range forecast shows mild weather with high temperatures hovering around 0?C through the next two weeks.
Last year the event was a great success despite the challenge of frigid temperatures of -25?C and close to blizzard conditions of the final day when the 100 km. race and tour was held.
Over 200 participants entered the tour with distances ranging between 5 and 25 km., last year. Almost 60 skaters — men, ladies and youth — participated in the 50 km. race. And, despite the weather, close to 75 volunteers and 400 spectators enjoyed the event.
It begins on Thursday, Feb. 23 with the non-sanctioned 50 km. race and tour for men and women of all ages at 11 a.m.
Then the following afternoon (Friday) features the 25 km. championship race and tour which is designed for those people inclined to skate a shorter distance.
The Nutrisource 100 km. long distance race is also a championship event. It goes at 9 a.m. Saturday morning.
Also on Saturday are the non-sanctioned 25 km. youth race and tour for those 16 and under beginning at noon. Then at 1 p.m. a recreational tour gets underway. It’s open to anyone who wants to skate from one to 20 laps on the 5 km. track.
Throughout the weekend the Winter Village will include food vendors, Dutch treats, music and a festive atmosphere. While they’ve added food outlets they still want to keep the village small so it’s cosier, said Messing.
He predicts that the pond hockey tournament will add to the buzz on the ice.
The non-profit Foothills Speed Skating Marathon Association donated money to Spruce View Fire Department and Sylvan Lake Community Partners Association in recognition of volunteer assistance from those groups.
Messing was also appreciative that the Town of Sylvan Lake has really supported their event this year.
The Sylvan event is co-hosted by Red Deer Central Lions Speed Skating Club.
More information on the events is available at www.slimarathon.webs.com or www.silverskatefestival.org.