Registration now open for 2010 Buckwheat Ski classic

SKAGWAY - Registration is now open for the annual Buckwheat Ski Classic race scheduled for Saturday, March 27.

Once again there will be 50K, 25K and 10K cross country ski races, as well as a 5K kids race and snowshoe race. All races take place at Log Cabin on the South Klondike Highway, and there are pre-and post-race events in Skagway, Alaska, including an awards banquet and dance at the historic Eagles Hall.

In 2005, The Buckwheat was named one of the top 49 things to do in Alaska by the editors of Alaska magazine. The race is a fund-raiser for the Skagway Ski Club and traditionally hosts more than 200 participants from Alaska, the Yukon and elsewhere.

For a complete schedule, download the race brochure and entry form at www.skagwaynews.com/BSCskirace2010.

Race brochures and entry forms also are available locally at the Foggy Mountain Shop downtown. Forms can also be found at the Mountain Shop in Skagway, Lutak Lumber in Haines and Coast Mountain Sports in Whitehorse. There are separate forms for U.S. adults, Canadian adults, U.S. kids and Canadian kids.

Registration forms may be dropped off at the Skagway and Whitehorse locations or mailed directly to Buckwheat Ski Classic, Box 636, Skagway, AK 99840. Early registration deadline is March 15. Registrations received after that date cost an additional $10.

The trails at Log Cabin, B.C. are currently set for the 5K, 10K and 25K courses, as well as the kids 5K, thanks to Skagway trail crew volunteers. Trail condition updates are posted regularly on the Website, at the Mountain Shop (907-983-2544), and the Skagway Visitor Center (907-983-2854).

Additional volunteers are always welcome. If you can help with race packet prep., dinner serving, race timing, serving breakfast, T-shirt sales, and aid station prep., please call Buckwheat at 907-983-3988 or Su Rappleye at 907-983-2127.

Major sponsors include: FOE & Aux. No. 25, Steve & Salli Reeder, Municipality of Skagway Tourism Dept., Holland America, Alaska Shirt Co., Norcan Sales and Rentals and The Skagway News. Co.

For more information, call Buckwheat at 907-983-2854 (days), 907-983-3988 (evenings), or e-mail: skagwayinfo@gmail.com.