Bear Chase ski races to be Mar. 7, 8 at Swedetown Trails

CALUMET -- The 2009 Great Bear Chase will take place on the Swedetown ski trails Sunday, Mar. 8, 2009, with a finish in downtown Calumet. There are new start times. Please remember that daylight savings time starts on March 8. Set your clock an hour ahead Saturday night!!

The Bear Chase includes a 50-km freestyle race and separate 26-km classic and freestyle categories. The course uses the varied and gently rolling terrain of the Swedetown ski trails and features a finish in downtown Calumet. After the race, stick around for door prizes, raffles and a free lunch.

The 26-km classic race kicks off at 9 a.m., with the 50-km freestyle at 9:20 a.m. and the 26-km freestyle at 9:30 a.m., EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME (EDT).

Drop your bag in the warmth of St. Anne's Church before you start. Start is closer to town (at the end of Scott Street). Awards and lunch will be in the new gym at Calumet High School.

Registration and bib pick-up: Registration and bib pick-up are from noon - 8 p.m. at Cross Country Sports, 507 Oak Street, Calumet, on Saturday, Mar. 7, 2009.

Sunday, Mar. 8, 2009 -- Bib pick-up is from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., EDT, at Cross Country Sports, Calumet. No race day registration.

"We want to thank everyone who has stepped up to volunteer!" said Arnie Kinnunen, Portage Health Community Outreach Coordinator. "We literally would not be able to run The Great Bear Chase with out you. Thanks to a very supportive community."

Although all volunteer positions have been filled, if you want to be involved please contact Jane at jdemart@mac.com.

All volunteers will receive a Great Bear Chase T-shirt and free food after the race.

If you're not racing, please come out and cheer for local racers and the people from out of town who will be visiting our area. One of the main reason we get so many people from out of the area (80%) to participate is because of the welcoming we give them.

Skiers will receive updated information and a course map in their registration packets. For details visit the Bear Chase Web site. For online registration visit Active.com.

For more event information, call Cross Country Sports in Calumet (906-337-4520). For lodging information, call the Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau (800-338-7982).

Junior Bear Chase

The Junior Bear Chase, a youth Nordic ski race for skiiers up to 16 years-old, will take place beginning at 11 a.m. EST on Saturday, Mar. 7, at Swedetown Trails. Both classic and free style races will be held within each age class, with separate awards for boys and girls.

Registration/Bib pick-up are from 10 a.m - 10:30 a.m., EST, at the Swedetown chalet.

The Junior Bear Chase is sponsored by the Copper Country Ski Tigers (youth Nordic ski organization). For details visit the Ski Tigers Web site. For more information contact Steve Delong by email (delong@charter.net) or phone (906-296-0094).