January 12, 2015 at 4:43 p.m.
Snowshoe Hare race raises money to support area trails
Snowshoe Hare race raises money to support area trails
The event, presented by the Rhinelander Area Silent Trails Association (RASTA), is a fundraiser to support the creation and maintenance of trails throughout the area.
Last year, cold temperatures and unfavorable snow conditions created suboptimal conditions for the race, though approximately 80 people still showed up to participate.
The numbers were comparable this year, and while it was cold once again, snow conditions were much better this time around.
The better the conditions, the more people come out to race. More people racing means more attention paid to silent sports organizers say. While the event is a fundraiser for RASTA, it's also a way for the group to introduce more people to snowshoeing.
"This is our fourth year holding the race. It's a fundraiser, but our goal is to also to try to get people out in the community engaged in healthy activities," said Dick Hablewitz, race director. "We want people to have a chance to come out and give snowshoeing a try, to see what it's like. We have the 10K race for the more diehard snowshoers, but we also have the 5K for those that want to get out and give it a try to see if they like snowshoeing and to see if it's something they may be interested in."
The money raised will be used to build and maintain trails throughout the area.
"We also use the event as a fundraiser for our organization. We maintain the silent sports trails in the area," Hablewitz said.
"We're doing maintenance and we're developing the silent sports trails so when people learn they love snowshoeing, or even cross country skiing or other silent sports, they have a place to go and trails to use."
The event has grown over the years, even if weather conditions never seem to cooperate. Hablewitz said it's nice to see more people get involved each year.
"It's cold weather, but we still had a great group come out and participate," he said. "It's great to see the community get out and enjoy the beauty of the area, and it's nice to see this event grow in popularity."
Although still somewhat in its infancy, the event has a dedicated following.
"I love snowshoeing, but I don't do the races often. I'm usually just going out on walks with the family," Mike Steinmetz said.
"This is the one race I do every year though. It's a great time. We haven't had the best luck the last couple years with the weather and everything, but it's still fun. It's a great group and it supports the trails that me, the wife and kids use. It's just a lot of fun and I think everyone should come out and give it a try."
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
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