Viewing Run Report Title: Inaugural XC Ski "Fun Race" in Park Ridge, Illinois Date: Saturday January 24th, 2009 Author: Park Ridge Speed Skating Club Inaugural XC Ski "Fun Race" in Park Ridge, Illinois Eager skiers blended with curious onlookers in this urban setting for the inaugural Cross Country Skiing "Fun Race" in Park Ridge, IL. Born the idea of Peter Block, winter renaissance man, this first time event was sponsored by the Park Ridge Park District, with assistance from the Park Ridge Speed Skating Club. The course was a half mile loop carved into the deep snowpack covering Centennial Park. Adults completed four laps for a two mile race, children went once around for a half mile race. Peter, President of the Park Ridge Speed Skating Club served as race director. Frigid weather conditions, 4° F with 5-10 mph nw winds and blue skies challenged participants, officials and spectators to stay in motion. Afterwards refreshments and awards were available for all in the warm shelter of the nearby senior center. As observed by RD Peter Block, "How often do you have a two-time figure skating Olympian (David Santee, 1976, 1980) counting laps and giving skiers the bell on their last lap?" Watch for this race to become an annual event! Click the "Photos" tab (above) for pictures by Frank Donato and others who've contributed. XC Ski "Fun Race" Park Ridge, Illinois 14-Jan-2009 Miles 1 Yvonne Walker (Children's Division)   ½ 16:27 1 Michael Pellikan 2 16:51 2 Bill Thom 2 19:32 3 Gary Martin 2 24:14 4 Christine Chambers 2 26:02 5 Patrick Walker 2 29:57 DNF Elizabeth Walker 1½ DNS Mary Kelleher DNS Michael Kelleher Posted: January 25th, 2009 9:46 am Last Update: January 26th, 2009 12:45 pm Viewed: 10360 Last View: May 22nd, 2013 7:20 am Unless otherwise indicated, all content, photos and art work published on this website are copyright property ©2004-2013 of Run Race and may not be republished without verifiable authorization from webmaster@runrace.net. Click for our: Terms and Conditions.