Greenwood teacher completes cross country ski marathon

Nine hours Saturday. Ten hours Sunday. 

That’s how long Greenwood teacher Iain Bryant cross-country skied to complete the Silver Level Canadian Ski Marathon on February 8 and 9 in Montebello, Quebec.

And, he had a 5 kg pack strapped on his back.

For the second year in a row, Iain travelled with his family to Quebec so he could participate in North America’s longest-running cross-country ski event. Skiers of all ages and abilities can register for distances ranging from 12 km to 160 km on classic groomed trails through a breathtaking winter landscape!

 

Iain skied a total of 160 km.

 

“I skied on Saturday from about 5:50 am to 4:15 pm and then went back to the hotel,” he explained. “Then back at it at 5:50 a.m Sunday til about 5 p.m. It is a gruelling trek but an amazing experience!”

 

The marathon is a personal adventure rather than a timed race.

 

“It was really beautiful terrain. I saw lots of moose tracks, but no actual moose,” Iain said. “There’s actually quite a lot of elevation over the course; lots of hills and valleys. Sometimes those two-kilometre markers feel very very far apart!”

 

Iain said he’s enjoyed meeting other ski enthusiasts over his two years at the event.

 

“I ended up skiing most of the day Sunday with someone I had met last year,” he explained. “We just ran into each other and were at the same pace so stuck with each other. It was really nice.”

 

There are checkpoints along the course where participants can warm up by a fire and fuel up with snacks and meals they carry in their packs. Any of those items are not included in the 5 kg weight requirement.

 

“I trained for carrying the pack by wearing it while training at Hardwood Hills but also just the house!” he said.

 

Though exhausting, would Iain do it all again?

Absolutely. Next year he may even try the Gold level - where participants actually camp out overnight and have to also carry their camping gear.

 

“I think I’ll do it because if not now, when?” he said. “I’ll take a few weeks off training and then get back at it. And, I think I’ll sign up for an OE Expedition next year to get myself prepped and pumped for the campout.”

 

Congratulations again Mr. Bryant!