Noquemanon Ski Marathon to spread over three days
Mon, Nov 23, 2020 - By Mike Muha
Big changes have come to the 23rd annual Noquemanon Ski Marathon. Both the Full Noque and the Half Noque races will be run across three day, January 22-24, 2021 to reduce contact that could lead to COVID infection. And only 180 skiers will be allowed in the races:
- Full Noque Classic = 180 (6 waves of 30 skiers)
- Full Noque Freestyle = 180 (6 waves of 30 skiers)
- Half Noque Classic = 180 (6 waves of 30 skiers)
- Half Noque Freestyle = 180 (6 waves of 30 skiers)
The Noque 12k and the Junior Noque have no cap on race participants. The will also be an uncapped "virtual" race for skiers who don't want to be at the race site.
The 50K Noque Classic Tour, Full Noque Relay, 24K/15 Mile Snowshoe, and Snowbike events are all cancelled for 2021.
All races are loops this year - no point-to-point. All starts and finishes will be at the NTN Forestville trailhead or the Al Quaal Recreation Area trailhead.
Waves are spread across three days:
| Race | Start / Finish | Fri Jan 22 | Sat Jan 23 | Sun Jan 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Noque | Forestville Trailhead | Freestyle, Waves 1-4 | Classic, Waves 1-4 | Classic, Waves 5-6 Freestyle, Waves 5-6 |
| Half Noque | Forestville Trailhead | Freestyle, Waves 1-4 | Classic, Waves 1-4 | Classic, Waves 5-6 Freestyle, Waves 5-6 |
| Junior Noque | Al Quaal Recreation Area | - | Classic, All waves | - |
| Noque 12k | Al Quaal Recreation Area | - | Classic & Freestyle, All waves | - |
This does make it a bit difficult to compare times if conditions changed between days. Think snow with below zero temps on Thursday night, warming into the 30's Saturday and Saturday night - Conditions for Friday and Sunday would be quite different.
Face coverings are required at all times while not in “in your race” as well as anytime you are within 6 ft of another individual. This information goes for participants as well as any spectators.
Neither the Forestville or Al Quaal sites will have indoor facility or warming tent. Racers should be prepared to stay in their cars to keep warm, and to store their personal gear. There will be limited bussing to the Forestville Trailhead for Full and Half Noque participants.
If a decision is made to cancel the event (health and safety, weather/snow conditions, any other reason) it will likely be made one week prior to the event date, but there are several factors that may impact the timing of any decision to cancel. The Noquemanon Ski Marathon does not offer refunds or deferrals to the following year.