You can now register for the 2010 Craftsbury Marathon -- one of the East's premier nordic races, which will be held January 25th, 2010.  With 50k or 25k options, you can either race it or tour it -- and experience some wonderful trails, breath-taking views, and down-home Vermont hospitality.  From their website:

"The 50k or 25k race offers competitors a mass start, timed challenge over a 25k loop course. This year, racers will be grouped in waves according to gender, race category and age group to allow for a less congested start to the racing. Feed stations every 4 to 7 kilometers dot the well-groomed route. After the finish, all participants are treated to a hearty post race meal and awards. The top racer in each 5 year class is awarded a locally handcrafted pottery bowl. Special pins will be awarded to second and third places. 2010 offers interested competitors the opportunity to compete in several events leading up to the marathon - including the Craftsbury Dash for Cash, a 200m sprint competition to determine the winner of a $1000 purse!...

Like to enjoy the scenery with a little less blur? Or perhaps wanting to share the event with your children? The Tour offers participants the opportunity to enjoy the same beautiful vistas and high quality groomed tracks as the speedy crowd in a lower stress environment. No timing also means that you also have time to sample items from local restaurants and delis. Highland Lodge's David and Willie Smith have been hosts for a start line breakfast banquet of fresh juice, coffee, bagels and a variety of delicious home made muffins from 7:00 AM until the start..."

This is one of my favorite locations to cross-country ski and the new non-profit owners have set very reasonable prices.  They get early snow, the grooming is top-notch, and the terrain is very skiable.  

For racers, an added attraction this year is that the marathon, and an earlier mid-week 10k, are national Masters championship events.

photo from Craftsbury website

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