Left: And they’re off! Lief Lindstrom (No. 35) wasn’t too tongue-tied to take a nice lead at the start of the kids’ race. Not far behind was Alex Teeter (No. 82) the grandson of Chris Hegg of Grand Marais. Behind them is a young Canadian skier, who, like the rest of the kids, was learning the art of cross country skiing.
It was all “hearts a flutter” as Thunder Bay athletes dominated the 10k and 32k Pincushion Mountain Family Ski Festival races held Valentine’s Day at Pincushion Mountain on Sunday, February 14.
With 51 skiers attending the 32nd annual North Superior Ski and Run Club (NSSRC) races, the event was considered a successful fundraiser for the Cook County youth skiing (Y-Ski) program and the high school Nordic ski program to which the race proceeds are dedicated.
Competing in the 13-15 age group, Kai Meekis won the Mens’ 10k race in a stunningly fast 29:32.7. Second went to his teammate Max Holman, who finished well back in 35:41. Grand Marais resident Mike Crook (40-49 age group) was 3rd in 42:16.
Josh Lindstrom (4th) crossed the line in 51:58, while International Falls resident Steve Johnson (5th) clocked in at 52:33. Kyle Oberg (6th) finished in 54:34 and Denny Fitzpatrick placed 7th in 1:03:16.
Thunder Bay’s Madeline Fabiano (age 13-15) won the Women’s 10k in 41:53. Lynn Palmer, Thunder Bay, was second in 43:32 while Grand Marais native Lynn Swanson placed 3rd in 45:25.
Above: It was a bit of a scramble at the start of the kids’ 2.5k kids’ race, but everyone finished in great shape. Left: Skiing easily, Kirk and Teresa Oberg looked like they thoroughly enjoyed the day and the race. All of the couples taking part in the race received Valentine’s Day truffles. Far left: Michael Monroe and his dog Plucky were unstoppable in the Skijoring race, taking first place.
Two Thunder Bay skiers, Christine Sillen (4th) 46:23 and Susan Fabius (5th) 46:23 finished just ahead of Jessica Barr, Grand Portage, (6th) in 47:04.
The next six finishers were from Cook County: Jane Shimmers (7th) 47:36; Rebecca Wiinanen (8th) 48.57; Theresa Oberg (9th) 54:34; Anne Hegg (10th) 55:44; Raia Meltzer (11th) 59:35 and Christina Hegg (12th) 1:10:18.
32k race results
The first four finishers in the 32k (about 19 miles) were from Thunder Bay (T.B.).
Adam Kates was almost 5 minutes faster (1:38:54) than 2nd place finisher Werner Schwar (1:43:31). Paul Inkila (1:48:31) and Joel Gerry (1:53:51) placed ahead of top local finisher John Praxmarer, Grand Marais, who was 5th in 2:02:21.
Placing 6th was Keith Ailey, T.B., in 2:05:15; John Alt (7th) G.M. 2:09:41; Tim Lederle, G.M., (8th) 2:09:45; Jim Bailey, T.B., (9th) 2:18:53; Cory Berg, G.M., (10th) 2:21:22; Chris Hegg, G.M., (11th) 2:35:20; Tim Nelson, Lutsen, (12th) 3:01:20; David Eckel, G.M., (13th) 3:06:52 and Lonnie Dupre, G.M., (14th) 3:14:09.
Sarah Peters, Kaministiquia, Ontario placed first in the Women’s 32k race in 1:59:56. Kerrie Berg of Grand Marais placed 2nd in 2:07:03, which is pretty quick for recently giving birth to her (and Cory’s) second child.
Xena Huff, Minneapolis, placed 3rd in 2:17:10. In 4th was Fiona McKenna, Kaministiquia, 2:20:20; Marilyn Ailey, T.B., (5th) 2:23:34; Deb Bennett, Hovland, (6th) 2:31:10; Alison McMullen, T.B., (7th) 236:12; Liz Inkila, T.B., (8th) 2:40:23; and Judy Hall, T.B., (9th) in 2:44:41.
Go, dog. Go skijoring!
Always a fan favorite, Go Dog North Shore partnered with NSSRC to host 3k and 7k races after the Nordic skiers finished their events.
Proving he is more than a fine troubadour, award winning musician/songwriter Michael Monroe and his dog Plucky placed first in the 3K race.
Two Blaine, Minnesota residents finished 2nd and 3rd. Michael Holberg with Kiera was second and Katrina St. Clair with Marley was 3rd.
Grand Marais resident Olya Wright and Tashka were 4th. Sally Mellang and Rev of Lutsen placed 5th and Emma Crook and her mighty dog Luke finished 6th.
Hibbing’s Joe Gans and his dog Hutcher won the 7k race. Hovland’s Frank Moe with Bart were 2nd while Lisa Boulay and Shasta of Bemidji were 3rd. Matt Nesheim and Avery of Grand Marais placed 4th, Luke Schwartz and Sarge of Duluth placed 5th, Patty Johnson with Autumn of Grand Marais finished 6th; Steve Boo and Linney of Chisago City placed 7th; and Marco Good and his two dogs, one big and one very little, Frankie and Zay Zay, placed 8th.
Youngest skiers have a great time
There were three kids’ races, a 2.5k (7 kids) and a 1.5k (6 kids) and short race that involved one lap around the stadium for the youngest skiers where three kids took part. The happy faces at the finish said it all. A successful—and very fun—event!
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