World’s best snowshoers coming to Vancouver for 2010 invitational

NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C., Canada: Wednesday, Jan. 27 is the one-month countdown to the first World Snowshoe Invitational. The best snowshoe racers from four continents are coming to celebrate snowshoeing in Vancouver 2010 on Saturday, Feb. 27.

More than 250 athletes -- including former Olympians -- from 10 countries will gather in a spirit of friendship to test the trails of Mount Seymour in North Vancouver on Feb. 27. Competitors are coming from as far away as Japan, Finland and Kenya in the climax of the 2010 Yeti Snowshoe Series.

“We always wanted to see a strong international start line but this exceeds all our goals, we could not be happier,” said The Yeti founder Marc Campbell.

The World Snowshoe Invitational will start with a First Nations ceremonial performance and special start featuring former Olympic athletes.

Registration is open and all abilities are welcome to participate. The 5km sport course race starts at 10 a.m. The 10km World Snowshoe Invitational, which doubles as the Canadian National Championships, follow at 12 noon. The world is invited to play or watch.

Moses Kirwa Lagatof the Eldoret Running Club will attempt to be the first Kenyan to race an international snowshoe event.

“Is this another Jamaican bobsled story about to unfold?” asked Yeti technical director Dave Howells. “I am really looking forward to meeting Moses and his coach Michael Mitei.”

The Yeti Snowshoe Series kicks off Jan. 30 at Mount Washington in Vancouver Island’s stunning Comox Valley.

For more info go to www.theyeti.ca
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