What a weekend for a 50km ski race! 1000 skiers converged in Craftsbury for the 24th Annual Craftsbury Marathon. The temperature was nice; the course was in good shape, and the sun was shining on the Northwest Vermont Ski Club in the Northeast Kingdom. It was cold at the start of the race, but not the bitter cold we have been experiencing. Once underway with the rapid elevation gain it was easy to stay warm. When 25km rolled around the sun was high and the temperature had risen to a comfortable mid to high teens. This is a point where racers are faced with a decision to press on for the long haul, or to bail. All of NWVT's racers are a tough bunch and pressed on. It was at this point that Damian Bolduc broke from a group of six skiers that stayed together from the start and began moving up in the field. Lagging in good technique he waited for the less technical half of the race to really make his move. The plan payed off as he gained 25-30 places in the second half, and finished well ahead of several skiers he has been trying to catch over the last couple of years. He now has set his sights on some new ones for future races and next season. Meanwhile up ahead, Perry Bland was in a race of his own. He as well was in a group of skiers of comparable ability for a good portion of the race, having someone to work with the entire race. However reports were that he too got a second wind and dropped all but one of them with about 10km to go. Besieged witnesses stated that "he just dug down and took off like he had rockets in his skis." It was a battle right to the end for Perry, which made for a very exciting race. Perry finished the marathon in 3:30:00 and 33 place over all. Damian (#48) was 48 place over all with a 3:41:54. It was also nice to see unofficial team member Larry Martell dust off his skis and finish in the top half of the field in 103rd. If I have left anyone out who wants to be mentioned or you were at another event let me know. Next weekend looks to offer many racing and touring opportunities. Races and tours in Newport, Lake Placid and close by at Sleepy Hollow should offer something for everyone. Hope all get a chance to get out and enjoy the great conditions. Feel free to let others know what you will be doing, or any information you think may help people get out and ski!