The recent Kachemak Nordic Ski Marathon was a resounding success. I would like to express my extreme gratitude to the groomers who put hundreds of hours into the course, as well as the loyal volunteers who are the backbone of race day.  I also would like to thank the more than 150 skiers who signed up for the event — you’re what it’s all about.

Thank you, Homer News and Angelina Skowronski, for your excellent coverage of the event. I also enjoyed Michael Armstrong’s picture of 10-year-old Hope Strohmeyer, who pretty much stole the show at the post-race party. 

I would like to correct one misstatement in the last paragraph, however: KNSC’s hope is not for the Homer Epic 100 to “eventually become the club’s largest event.”

KNSC’s hope is that both events continue to grow, but the Epic is unlikely to overtake the marathon in level of participation or as a fundraiser anytime soon. For one thing, the Epic is limited to elite athletes with an established record of long-distance, “extreme” events. There just aren’t that many of those folks around. The marathon, on the other hand, is open to anyone with the skill and the energy to complete a 25K or 42K course.  

We encourage people to choose the event that will get them across the finish line by 3:30 p.m., but ultimately it’s their choice. The Homer Epic also is a relatively expensive event to put on — it’s just the nature of the beast. The marathon, in contrast, could triple in size with relatively little increase in expenditure except more Gatorade and snacks. This was evident in this year’s results — we increased our participation by 40 percent over last year, making this year’s race a very successful fundraiser indeed.

The point is — KNSC promotes and supports both events, but they are in no way intended to replace each other. So, all you 25K and 42K racers who have been calling me wondering if your race is going away? Relax. It will be there next year and many years to come.

 Marylou Burton, coordinator

2013 Kachemak Nordic Ski Marathon