Brian Donnelly Race within the Race

Fri, Feb  3, 2012 - By Ken Roth

As many of you may know, the Nordic Ski community recently lost a great friend in the passing of Brian Donnelly.  Brian died January 14th while skiing the VASA trail.  Brian’s racing and skiing history is long and glorious.  He was one of only six people to have skied every North American VASA race. 

Brian was a great ambassador for the sport and is the reason many people are involved in Nordic skiing today.  His loss to the ski community, his friends, and his family is immeasurable.

To honor Brian, his friends are organizing a “race within the race” for this year’s VASA.

During Friday’s and Saturday’s registration we will be selling armbands with Brian’s initials and the number 33 (number of VASAs actually contested) on it. We are asking a minimum donation of $5 to cover the cost of armbands and ask that people who are able to donate above that amount do so.  All proceeds will be donated to the VASA trail fund in Brian’s name.  We’d like to get as many people as possible wearing the armbands during the race as a tribute to our good friend. 

The spot on the trail where Brian died is located on the left of the last uphill just before the wall and is marked by a pair of ski poles with a VASA medal on them.  Many of us will be throwing out our watches this year and pausing during the race to reflect at this spot.  Join us if you choose, or ski your own race wearing the armband to honor Brian.  Either way we know it would make him very happy.  Brian loved the VASA and was fortunate enough to die doing what he loved.  Please join us in this tribute to him.

On behalf of all of Brian’s friends and family,
Ken Roth