The annual Hallis Lake Loppet took place Saturday Jan. 27 on the cross-country ski trails, with skiiers attending from Quesnel, Wells, Prince George, Williams Lake and Hagensborg, B.C.
Around 50 skiiers age three and up registered for the event, and there were plenty of categories to enter, with younger skiiers travelling between 1km and 8km, and adults skiing between 8km and 32km.
The timed events saw all competitors take home a medal-shaped cookie.
“Although the course is timed, this event is really about getting people out on the trails, and having a good day,” comments Cariboo Ski-Touring Club’s Ron Watteyne.
Tania Gruene and her nine-year-old daughter Kyra Duckworth entered the recreational pairs category, skiing 8km.
“This was the first loppet for both of us, and it was great,” says Tania.
Kyra, who has been skiing since age two, was pleased with how it went, saying it was a fun few hours.
“The trails are in fabulous condition, and it is such a fun way to spend time together,” says Tania.
“We had a cookie and some tea along the path and just enjoyed being outside.”
Nine-year-0ld Morgan Boileau, from Hagensborg, B.C., near Bella Coola, says her family comes up for the event every year. Her dad competed in the men’s 32km race, and both her younger brothers skiied as well.
Morgan says her 5km went pretty well.
“I had a couple of crashes, but that didn’t stop me,” she comments.
The four family members each did well in their categories, with fast times for their age groups.
The mild weather drew friends and family members eager to cheer on their loved ones, and a hearty lunch was enjoyed in the lodge after all that fresh air.
Full 2018 Hallis Lake Loppet results
Five and under – 1km
Ryan Boileau, Hagensborg – 0:22:12
^
Five to seven – 2.5km
Eric Boileau, Hagensborg – 0:16:16
Abbey Mackay, Quesnel – 0:17:41
Luke Stefan, Quesnel – 0:17:48
Friday Borsato-Stobbe, Quesnel – 0:18:35
Pascale Sturt, Quesnel – 0:20:06
Keirstyn Bohme, Quesnel – 0:20:37
Elise Jonasson, Quesnel – 0:23:52
Tristan Woollends, Quesnel – 0:26:40
^
Eight to 10 – 5km
Oi Moliner Clark, Williams Lake – 0:29:10
Morgan Boileau, Hagensborg – 0:29:17
Elizabeth Puhallo, Quesnel – 0:29:23
Rome Borsato-Stobbe, Quesnel – 0:32:45
Nikolai Benson, Quesnel – 0:32:58
Carter Bohme, Quesnel – 0:35:00
Anja Sales, Quesnel – 0:35:05
Aubrey Williams, Quesnel – 0:44:31
Hunter Brown, Quesnel – 0:49:54
^
11-13 – 5km
Jake Sutton, Williams Lake – 0:31:48
Isaac Woollends, Quesnel – 0:50:35
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14-17 – 8km
Christopher Henderson, Quesnel – 0:38:14
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Men’s 8km
Rob Sutton, Williams Lake – 0:42:30
Allan Fleck, Quesnel – 0:53:26
Travis Brown, Quesnel
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Women’s 8km
Jennifer Clark, Williams Lake – 0:48:35
Janelle Janischewski, Quesnel – 0:49:54
Shannon Jonasson, Quesnel – 0:53:15
^
Pairs 8km
Tania Gruene and Kyra Duckworth, Quesnel – 1:39:00
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Men’s 16km
Nicholas Korn, Prince George – 1:16:04
Gary Gale, Quesnel – 1:18:22
Ron Watteyne, Quesnel – 1:21:40
Brian Russell, Prince George – 1:24:15
Derek Woollends, Quesnel – 1:33:13
^
Women’s 16km
Heidi Evensen, Prince George – 1:24:25
Sally Johnston, Quesnel – 1:30:26
Shannon Coffey, Quesnel – 1:31:22
Nicole Brandson, Williams Lake – 1:37:41
Lori Carifelle, Quesnel – 2:05:30
Kara Carifelle, Quesnel – 2:05:32
^
Women 18-39 – 32km
Sarah Champagne, Wells – 2:08:20
Andrea Sturt, Quesnel – 3:10:13
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Women 40-59 – 32km
Catherine Hagen, Prince George – 2:22:05
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Men 40-59 –32km
Alex Boileau, Hagensborg – 1:48:14
Kevin Sturt, Quesnel – 1:57:59
George Paul, Quesnel – 2:19:47
Glen Mikkelsen, Prince George – 2:39:46
Patrick Turner, Prince George
^
Women 60 and over – 32km
Lou Brisco, Quesnel – 2:39:42
^
Men 60 and over – 32km
Scott Forrest, Prince George – 1:55:15
Brian Kennelly, Quesnel – 2:49:47