North America's Top Snowshoe Event Comes to Grouse Mountain
World Snowshoe Invitational attracts over 200 athletes from nine nations
February 26, 2010
February 26, 2010, Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, B.C. – The Yeti and Grouse Mountain are proud to host the World Snowshoe Invitational on Saturday February 27, 2010. This promises to be the most competitive snowshoe ever in North America. With Olympic athletes, World Champions, National Champions and World record holders attending.
Stepping up to the line for his first ever snowshoe race in North America is six-time Mountain Running World Champion and two-time Olympian Jonathan Wyatt.
“I have been part of the Olympics both as an athlete and as a spectator,” says Wyatt. “I know how important it is to try and get snowshoe racing into Olympic competition - just look at what has happened to triathlon. If I can be a small part by helping a running event be included in the winter games then I am happy to be here.”
Wyatt also holds the fastest record for the Grouse Grind Timer (24:22). Joining him this weekend is Joseph Gray from the USA, (2009 U.S. Men’s National Mountain Running Champion) who was also voted US runner of the year. Nine top men and women from the USA will be on the line for the Worlds.
Toru Koide 2009 Japanese Men’s National Snowshoe Champion, is very excited to race in North America for the first time. He will be attending with Katsuhiko Harada Founder of Japanese Snowshoeing Federation and Vice President of the International Amateur Snowshoe Racing Federation (IASSRF).
The International flavour continues with Italy, France, Finland and Switzerland all confirmed for race day.
The World Snowshoe Invitational will crown new champions for the World title and the Canadian National title. Additionally, both the 2008 and 2009 National Champions will be attending the event.
“Clearly this is one of the most high profile races that our sport has ever seen, and we are making history with such an International field racing alongside the Olympics,” says Mark Elmore, president of the United States Snowshoe Association. “I can`t wait!”
The Yeti World Snowshoe Invitational Kicks off on Saturday February 27, 2010.
Start time for the 10km Worlds and Canadian Nationals is 12 noon in the front of the Peak Chalet on Grouse Mountain.
For more info go to theyeti.ca, and follow on twitter @comeyeti2010
Media contact
Dave Howells
Office: 604-988-2770
Cell: 778-837-8557
