Kerrie Fabius led all Cook C ounty skiers in the 54K classic Birkebeiner race with her 72nd place in a field of over 1,000 men and women skiers. Fabius placed 6th for the women’s 30-34 age group bracket.
Nine Cook County residents competed in the 39th annual Birkebeiner 54K Classic cross country ski race held from Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin. The Birkie is February 23-25 and is part of the Worldloppet circuit of 15 international ski marathons and part of the American ski marathon series of 13 races.
Two locals competed in the 50K skate race, won for the first time in a long time by American men and women. Local skiers were Tim McGrath, who finished in 1575th place in the men’s race with a time of 3:42:41.4, and Kelley Summers, who placed 435 in the women’s division with a time of 4:10:16.3.
Kerrie Fabius led all county finishers in the classic race with a 72 place in a field of 1,300 men and women. Fabius was 6th in the women’s 30-34 age group in a time of 3:09:46.7. Just behind Kerry was her husband, Cory Berg. Cory placed 79th overall with a time of 3:10:50.2
Jonathan Rova wasn’t too far behind Cory, placing 142nd in 3:21:32.9, while his wife, Nancy, placed 7th in the women’s 45-49 age group with a time of 3:40:35.2. Nancy placed 290th overall.
Jan Horak completed his 33rd Birkie, finishing in 854th place with a time of 5:11:16.9.
Tim Kennedy was skiing in his 31st Birkie and placed 594th with a fine time of 4:19:27.7.
“It was an absolutely perfect day for skiing, mid-twenties, the sun was out, the course was perfect, it was just ideal,” said Kennedy.
Nonetheless, said Kennedy. “I didn’t do as well as I would have liked. My wax was off a little bit and I didn’t get the glide I would have liked. Still, you can’t have a perfect race every time out. Overall, it was a great experience, great helpers on the course and a good day to be skiing.”
David Eckel completed his 32nd Birkie, finishing in 4:35:45.9 and placing 612th.
“I guess I have to do at least three more of these races,” said Eckel. “I can’t stop now until I’ve done at least 35.”
Jane Shinners finished 721st in the women’s division of the Classic 54K race with a time of 4:30:52.1. Her husband, Jim, finished the 54K Classic in 5:11:16.9 to place 819th.
Kathy Horak placed 71st in the Kortelopet Classic Race with a time of 1:57:32.7. Audrey Summers placed 113 in the Kortelopet Skate Race with a time of 1:38:35.5.
Proof that it’s great to be young, busy college student Ian Holmen practiced a few times and went out and placed 3rd in his 18-24 age group in the Kortelopet Skate Race with a great time of 1:12:37.5.
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