Month: January 2010

Wood and Steel: Announcing the 4th Annual Runner Sledding Championships, Feb. 27, 2010

The Date has been Set! Race Day is Feb 27th, 2010.

But you better dust off the runners way before that, mister, if you want to challenge for the title of “Fastest Runner Sledder in all the Land.”

Them East Benton boys got a chip on their shoulder after Joel’s loss in the finals last year. You can bet they have their steel polished and their resolve hardened. However, the boys from Hogback Mountain are looking to prove that last year was no fluke. Derek Mc Kenny is the defending champ, and he has eye on repeating. However, there could be challenges from other corners, as well, in this, the 4th annual New England Runner Sledding Championships. Last year, people traveled from as far away as Vermont to vie for the title!

Important Dates to Keep in Mind

Each weekend between January 17th, 2010 and SLED WEEK there will be volunteers working on improving and maintaining the trail. If this sounds like work to you, keep this in mind: the best way improve a runner sledding trail is to run runner sleds on it! Meet us at The Landing to help. Bring a pulp hook, chainsaw and anything else you think might come in handy.

SLED WEEK is Saturday Feb. 20th up until Race Day. The trail will be open to the public for practice, but keep in mind it might be occasionally closed for grooming and/or maintenance.

Sat. Feb 20th – Time Trials – Arrive at the Runner Sledding Course Landing by 8 a.m.. The Landing is located at the end of Bragdon Rd. off rte. 220 in Montville, ME.
Sun Feb 21st – Shanty Town Sunday – Set up your ice-fishing shack and get your parking spot for the races.
Fri. Feb 26th – Volunteer Meeting held at The Landing at noon. Potluck lunch. Duties for Race Day will be discussed and assigned. Thanks for your help!
Sat. Feb 27th – RACE DAY!
-Open Trail from 8:30 to 12:30.
-Kids time trials will occur during this time.
-This will also be the opportunity for adults to try the course and compete for the $400 cash prize for Fastest Sled of the day

Key Points to keep in mind:
-This is a family-friendly event. We do ask for donations at the gate as a lot of work and money go into making this event possible. However, no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
-The trail will close to the public at 12:30 p.m. so that grooming for the Finals can take place. If you want to go sliding, get there early enough to do so.
-There is a new 100-car parking lot for 2010, bringing the total capacity for automobiles up to over 250. With that said, PLEASE CARPOOL, as it will get tight.
-New for this year, there will be a horse-drawn sleigh parking lot shuttle.
-There will be much more spectator room on the course.
-New for this year, special parking area for snowmobiles.
-If you want to be in the big race, you MUST QUALIFY IN THE TIME TRIALS ON FEB 20, 2010.

email address for questions, comments and concerns: sappail@hotmail.com