Oosik Race brings in 337 competitors

The 9^th annual Oosik Classic Ski Race held Saturday brought in 337 skiers from around the state.

Bob and Meg Stehn, race result coordinators, raved about the spectacular day. They reported perfect snow, and temperatures, with little wind. Bob Stehn said it was the best conditions ever for an Oosik race.

This years race included a 25-K and a 50-K as well as an Oosik Lite, for skiers not well versed in racing or for those that wanted a less strenuous day. Race coordinators said the 25 K was really a 30 K and the 50 K was closer to a 45 K.

The winner of the women’s 50K race was Holly Brooks with a time of 2:39:18. More women than ever entered the 50K this year. First place 50 K men’s winner was Marius Korthauer  with a time of 2:07:27.

25K winner was Mary Adele with a time of 2:00:07, and the men’s 25K winner was Andrew Dougherty with a time of 1:35:32.

Other notable finishes were Jacob High, who skied the race as the youngest competitor; 11 year Lydia Blanchett was the youngest female to race. The oldest racers, 67 year old Sam Flora and 78 year old Reno DePrey also had great performances, according to Stehn.

The skiers gathered for the annual banquet and awards ceremony after the race. Door tender Jeff Lebegue says he believes the crowd performed the longest congo line in Talkeetna history and bass player, Tony Crocetto, said he is sure the group break dancing performance is a first for the village of Talkeetna.

KTNA is starting an online photo file of the race. Everyone is encouraged to submit.