From U.S. Speedskating Meets (2010-2011)
Are you ready? We just received word that Bemidji, MN will host the 2011 National Marathon Championships. As competitors know, “…this is the best lake ice in North America, this race, this ice should be the focal point of the marathon season.”
We are committed to making your experience in Bemidji an enjoyable one. Follow us on Facebook and become a Fan and keep checking this website for more information.
Just so you are aware, all Beaver Sport Teams are home that weekend. While it hasn’t been confirmed yet with Bemidji State Alumni- these weekends typically serve as the Athletic Hall of Fame and Alumni Athlete Weekend, equivalent to Fall Homecoming.
What does this mean for skaters? Hotel rooms. Bemidji is a small town and many times (especially when Beaver Hockey is home) that means that the town of Bemidji has no vacancy. Check out the hotel page under the ’2011 Marathon’ heading for more information.
If you would like to receive email notification when the application is available please fill out the form on the registration page and share your information. Once the application is available we will send you an email with the registration information.
The US National Speedskating Marathon was held on February 20-21, 2010 in Bemidji, MN. Danny Fredrick (Roseville, MN) won the 25k with a track record of 45:42.91 and Erik Wardenaar (Golden Valley, MN) won the 50k with a time of 1:45:14.38. The weather on Saturday was absolutely pristine, while Sunday brought a light dusting of snow. The ice was fast thanks to the ice crew of Dave Cermak, Norm Johannsen, and Erik Sjogren who spent the week prior to the marathon flooding and preparing the oval for the skaters. One competitor said of the lake ice, “…this is the best lake ice in North America, this race, this ice should be the focal point of the marathon season.”
Pictures of the event may be found at http://www.bemidjispeedskating.org/gallery or if you have taken pictures and would like to add them to the gallery please email Lisa who will get you an account set up to do so.
Full results may be found online as well.
In a little less than 36 hours the starting gun will go off for the 2010 National Marathon.
The ice will be flooded Friday morning and then Zambonied, please check with the crew if you will be able to skate the oval, especially in the morning and early afternoon.
Registration will take place in the Hampton Inn Lobby starting at 6:00 PM on Friday and also in the lobby Saturday morning before the race.
If you are able to volunteer as a lap counter, please come to the Kraus-Anderson trailer which is located near the start line at 9:30 AM on Saturday or 8:30 AM on Sunday.
Safe travels and we look forward to seeing you!
Congrats to Pioneer (Bemidji) Speedskater Lisa Sjogren, who was crowned the 2010 National Champion- Senior Ladies. Lisa will be competing in the long track marathon February 20-21, 2010.
The ice this year is beautiful. So crisp and clear- that if you look carefully you can see fish swimming underneath.
Dave spent a good part of his Saturday taking the Zamboni out on the ice and preparing for the skaters. Thank you Dave!
While there are still some cracks in the ice, for those who have skated the marathon in Bemidji before know that the ice will be absolutely pristine by the time the National Marathon rolls around on February 20 and 21.
Here is something to note, this past Sunday a few skaters from the cities drove up to skate on the oval and to prepare. From Dorothy, a blogger with This Might Hurt our Reputation (http://rightoverleft.wordpress.com):
Once I hit the oval and began to skate I was quick to notice that the lake ice is much faster than the Roseville ice. I am sure that a physics lesson could explain why but for now just knowing it was faster made the thought of traveling around the 1K oval seem less daunting.
Please click here or select under the 2010 Marathon tab- Registration Info. Mail in registration closes February 15th. Late registrations will be accepted, with a $10.00 late fee, on site.
A special thank you to Dave, Norm, and Rich for all of their work in getting the oval carved out on Lake Bemidji.
Registration information will be posted shortly.
This year on Lake Bemidji there will be a few more ice events carved into the ice.
Of course, there will be the standard 1 kilometer oval. Then there will be a 400 meter oval carved in the inside. And finally, hockey rinks for a pond hockey tournament, final date to be determined. More information will be posted about the pond hockey event at the later date.
Also, come out and support the speedskaters! This weekend (December 5/6) will be the American Cup II at the John Rose Oval. The weekend following will be the John Rose Open at the John Rose Oval (Roseville, MN).
Bemidji Pioneer practice is Sunday afternoons from 4:15 to 5:15 PM at Neilson-Reise Ice Arena. Email Chantal (chantal@bemidjispeedskating.org) for more details.
Did you see this Monday night? The story will start at 2:02
Here is the back story. DSB bank in the Netherlands used to be the primary sponsor for US Speedskating. Well, this fall they went bankrupt and left US Speedskating with a deficit of about $300,000. Thus in other words, leaving US Speedskating in a bit of a lurch. The sad thing is, there are very few large American sponsors of US Speedskating. This is surprising as US Speedkating has won 75 Olympic Medals, more than any other winter sport.
You can donate to US Speedskating and the Colbert Nation on the US Speedskating website.
speedskating | lisa August 24, 2010 | 
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