Register now for the Buckwheat

The 2011 annual Buckwheat Ski Classic promises to be a “howling good time for our 25th anniversary,” said race founder Buckwheat Donahue of Skagway. The race will be held on the Log Cabin, BC course on Saturday, March 26.

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

The Buckwheat was named one of the top 49 things to do in Alaska by the editors of Alaska magazine. The race traditionally hosts close to 300 participants from Alaska, the Yukon and elsewhere. Proceeds support maintaining ski trails in the area and other community needs.

Race brochures and entry forms also are available at the Mountain Shop in Skagway, Lutak Lumber in Haines, Foggy Mountain Shop in Juneau and at Coast Mountain Sports and Sport Yukon, 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 5 p.m. on Friday, March 18. Registrations received after that date cost an additional $10.

The trails at Log Cabin along the South Klondike Highway are currently set for the 5K and 10K courses, as well as the kids 2K, thanks to Skagway trail crew volunteers.

The longer 25K course should be ready in this month or early March. Trail condition updates are posted regularly on the website, at the Mountain Shop (983-2544), and the Skagway Visitor Center (983-2854).

Additional volunteers are always welcome. Those willing to help with race packet prep., dinner serving, race timing, serving breakfast, T-shirt sales and aid station prep., please call Donahue at 983-3988 or Su Rappleye at 983-2127.

Major sponsors include: FOE & Aux. No. 25, Steve & Salli Reeder, Municipality of Skagway Tourism Dept., Holland America, Alaska Shirt Co., The Mountain Shop, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Duff’s Backcountry Outfitters, Princess Cruises, Elliott Financial Services, Alaskan Brewing Co., and The Skagway News. Co.

For a complete schedule, download the race brochure and entry form at www.skagwaynews.com/BSCskirace2011.

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