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Once again, the Minnesota Finlandia Cross Country Ski Marathon course has been inundated with snow this week. Officially we received 13 inches Sunday on top of a firm 10 "base. The course is in the best condition we have seen in years but I don’t want to steal all of the Chief of courses’ thunder. Check the trail reports for his glowing review of what’s in store this weekend. My job is to inform you of the festivities in store for all participants.

The weekend kicks off with the Registration/ spaghetti feed at Keg n Cork in downtown Bemidji. There you can enjoy the pre-race atmosphere with friends, food and beer (if you so choose). Who knows you may even get a visit from the chief of course himself, Mark Morrissey and get the inside word.

Saturday morning things kick off with Wave starts beginning at 10am. Check for up to date wave starts and times at the registration Friday, Facebook or announcements at the start area. When you finish and we certainly hope you do, check into the Hall of Fame feed. One of the best after race feeds around, hands down. Free food includes wild rice soups, homemade breads and cookies prepared by Concordia Language villages. Hot drinks, Bagels, fruits and Nature Valley Bars, again all included with your registration.

Sometime around 4-4:30 we will kick off the awards ceremony. Awards include Rosé mauled axes for first place, Woolen Mills of Bemidji jackets and throws for second place and beautiful pottery for third. Age class awards for every 4 year age brackets, door prizes and more. Entry cost for all races but the Northwood’s tour are at the highest level, at $65 its one of the least expensive races around.

Races include:
50km Marathon freestyle
25km Freestyle/ skate
25km Classic
25km Continuous Pursuit
10km Northwood’s tour

Schedule of events:
Friday February 15th – Registration & Spaghetti Feed at Keg-n-Cork Pub 4:30-9pm
Saturday February 16th – Races begin at 10:00 am at Buena Vista Ski Area
Race awards 4:30 pm at Buena Vista Hall of Fame

The conditions add to enthusiasm and anticipation of one of the most challenging, scenic and exciting cross country ski events in the Midwest. For information and updates, or to volunteer with races, check out www.minnesotafinlandia.com or Facebook.