PULASKI, NY – Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Winona Forest Recreation Association will again be providing several opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy the traditions of racing on the abundant snows of Tug Hill.
“It’s been a process, but we believe we have found a balance between fun for the participants and the requirements of the NYSDEC,” said WFRA President Matt Westerlund. “We are going to be putting on some great events.”
The traditional mass starts, common to races of this type, will be substituted with a staggered start to provide a measure of social distancing for the competitors. Racers will be required to wear a face covering in the starting area and when beginning the race, but this may be removed once the entrants have developed some separation on the course. Post race social events will not take place in an effort to reduce social contacts.
Race organizers queried past participants and found that an overwhelming majority wanted to carry on with the events even if it meant doing so with some modifications to traditional routines.
“People are starving for racing and many of those we spoke to offered some great suggestions as to how to make this work in a time of unusual circumstances,” Westerlund said. “The fact that these events take place outdoors is a big help.”
Plans are in place to move to a virtual racing format in the event of the pandemic worsening and the State of New York shutting down these types of activities. Competitors would record their own times to complete the courses and then email the results to the race organizers.
“We have created a marathon concept, with five different courses that athletes may complete on their own schedule to qualify for a commemorative medal,” Westerlund said.
WFRA ski director Paula Yerdon is also excited about this season’s planned races.
“We are many, many years into these events, and people love to come to Winona to ski and race – they are very happy to know that races are going on,” Yerdon said.
Some new variations of traditional events will add to the excitement. This year the Try It race, scheduled for January 23, will include a skate ski division.
“I have been skiing and racing at Winona Forest for 35 years, and taking on a leadership role in these events just takes it to a new level, so I am very excited about these events taking place this year,” Yerdon said.
This same enthusiasm for this year’s upcoming events was echoed by several winter athletes heading out for a training session on the fresh snow recently.
“I think that with the way the world is today, it is really important that we all get together, and nature is the safest place; it is awesome that we can find something to do outside,” Carol Yerdon said as she strapped on her snowshoes.
Tracey Westerlund agreed, “Just getting outside and enjoying the beauty of the forest with a few other people is so uplifting.”
Lincoln Fancher has been going to the state forest for 29 years now to ski and run its trails.
“I find that it is a great way to get out and enjoy the trails and to support the WFRA, so that they can keep these events alive,” Fancher said.
Information about entering these upcoming events can be found here. Remember to sign up early, as numbers of participants will be limited.
“These trails are in our backyard, so it’s great to come up here year round and enjoy the forest,” Tammy Thomas said as she headed out on another lap, looking forward to the modified but still thrilling events of the snowy season.
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