The 46th Annual VASA Ski Race will take place on Saturday
TRAVERSE CITY – North American Vasa officials are in the final week of preparation for the 46th annual Vasa Race Festival scheduled for Saturday and Sunday 2022 at the Timber Ridge Resort.
The efforts of over 200 volunteers and 40 sponsors will be on display over the weekend. The TART and NMMBA snow groomers worked cross-country trails and fatbike sites with some of the best winter conditions yet.
Saturday’s events include the Ted Okerstrom 15K and George Kuhn Half Marathon 27K freestyle races starting at 9 a.m. the races start at noon and the adapted ski race will start at 12:30 p.m.
Sunday offerings begin with two classic ski races, a 6k event for high school racers at 9 a.m. and the Lombard Loppet Classic 15k race for adults at 9:30 a.m. An untimed 6k Fun Tour event will start at 10 a.m. The Vasasaurus Stomp 6K snowshoe race starts at 10:30 a.m.
VASA Race Director Janice Davidson said several changes to the traditional stadium layout have been made due to COVID-19 precautions. However, volunteers will provide hot soup and other snacks at the Timber Ridge Banquet Hall.
Registration for all events can only be done online. The deadline is 6 p.m. Wednesday. Full Vasa event details can be found at vasa.org.
Tickets for the figure skating show on sale
TRAVERSE CITY — Tickets are on sale for the annual Traverse City Figure Skating Club Ice Show, March 4-5 at Center Ice Arena.
“Sing! High School Musicals on Ice” promises to bring a high-energy show featuring music from the big screen and Broadway favorites “High School Musical,” “Sing!”, “Hairspray,” and “Grease.”
Show times are Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 5 at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tickets for bleacher seats are $18. A VIP on-ice package is available for $160 per table at four tables. Tickets are available at MyNorthTickets.com
The ice show is the largest annual fundraiser for the non-profit skating club. In addition to ticket sales, funds are raised through the sale of memorabilia such as animal ear headbands, light rings and pom poms. Revenue helps cover the cost of billed ice time, making participation more accessible and affordable for the community at large, which in turn helps support the skating program.
For more information, visit GoFigureTC.org or call 231-342-9437.
Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K returns
TRAVERSE CITY — The 12th annual Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K will take place at 9 a.m. on March 12 at the Workshop Brewing Company in Traverse City. The race will have both an in-person and virtual option and the course is being finalized. Participants receive a t-shirt and prizes for the best costume.
For more information and to register, visit leapinleprechauntc.com. Registration rates increase after February 28.
Opening of registrations for the M22 Challenge on March 1st
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration for the 13th annual M22 Challenge opens March 1 at 8 a.m.
The event itself is scheduled for June 11.
The M22 Challenge course consists of a 2-mile race that includes a dune climb overlooking Lake Michigan, a bike race around Big Lake and Little Glen, and an “anything” paddling event on Little Crystal Clear Glen.
Those interested in competing or volunteering in this year’s race can find more information on registration by visiting www.m22challenge.com.
Follow Andrew Rosenthal on Twitter @ByAndrewR
