9.A.1. PRSR 10-11-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minnesota Biathlon Fall Festival Woodland Trails Park,Elk River,MN • October 19,21,22 The Minnesota Biathlon Fall Festival is a series of 3 races. Held on the paved loops in Woodland Trails Park and on the Elk River Biathlon Range on the east side of the railroad grade. Last years event attracted 56 athletes from around the state,as well as several from New York,Alaska,and Colorado. Who is Competing? The athletes competing cover a variety of skill levels- much of the youth category are first and second year competitors. At the top end we have the US Junior National Team and many of the top Minnesota senior athletes. The US Junior Team is base in Duluth and includes Elk River resident Chris Gadacz, now ranked 4th nationally. The senior fireld includes Kara Sahnela- '98 Olympian and National Team member since '96, and Andy Erickson- '98 Olympian. Kara is a Elk River High School graduate and Andy is from Minnetonka. Between the juniors and senior fields there are 8-10 bonifide Olympic hopefuls. The Manitoba Biathlon will also be sending 7 athletes and 2 coaches to compete in the weekend races. In total we expect 60 competitors for each race day,many of which are coming from out of town and will be patronizing Elk River restaurants, stores,and hotels. Spectators: Last year we had approximately 80 spectators at the biathlon range. This year we have cleared additional area so spectators can safely watch. We encourage spectators to come watch at the range or on the course. The pursuit race on Sunday is the most exciting and spectator friendly. We anticipate 80-100 spectators for the weekend races. Signage and precautions: 111 We plan to put signage up at the parking lot and on the north and south ends of the railroad grades. Signs would caution park users to stay to the edge of the pavement during the hours of 9am-12pm and use special caution during the actual race times-approximately 90 minutes each race day. We will also have 3 course marshalls out on the course-near the parking lot and on the railroad grade-to caution park users during the races. The biathlon range is has no less than 12 range officials scoring and maintaining safety standards during the race. Paved Trails: We would be using the the paved loops in the park itself,though this would not include the western most loop,the Prarie Loop. Race Categories Seniors-age 20+ Juniors-age 17-19 Juniors-age 17-19 Youth-age 14-16 Air rifle Youth-age 13-16 Race Schedule: Thursday,Oct 19 Saturday and Sunday,Oct 21,22 Registration and bib pick up 9:30am Registration and bib pick up 8:30am Rifle Zeroing 10:00am Rifle Zeroing 9:00am Race Start 11:00am Race Start 10:00am Racers over: 12:45pm Race over 11:45am Awards and Annual Banquet: • Satuday,Oct 21 at 1pm at Sauk Jr High School Chief of Competition: Piotr Bednarski, 612/924-0381. 5032 28th St. St Louis Park,MN 55416