FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SKIJORING RACES NEW AT 2015 MORA VASALOPPET USA

The Vasaloppet USA is partnering with Skijoring USA to introduce the first-ever skijoring races at the 43rd Annual Vasaloppet USA to be held in Mora, MN February 6-8, 2015. Two skijoring races will be on Sunday, February 8th following the Miniloppet. An 8.5 K race will begin at 2 p.m. and the 3 K race at 2:03 p.m. The Miniloppet and skijoring races will be held the day after the Vasaloppet USA Cross-Country Ski Races.

Awards will be presented to the top three in each race. Bib pick-up for participants will be on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the celebration tent in downtown Mora.

The skijoring races will begin on Lake Mora just north of the Mora Library.½A0 They will follow the Vasaloppet trail north to the Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center and then follow the Miniloppet 7K and 1.5K trails back to downtown Mora for the finish.

Skijoring combines dog power and cross-country skiing. It’s a cooperative sport that combines the athletic ability of both the dog and skier. Assuming that you own cross-country ski equipment and an energetic dog, you can simply add the necessary skijoring equipment and you’re ready to begin a thoroughly enjoyable adventure with your dog. Skijoring is filled with the romance of dogsledding and the simplicity of walking your dog. It’s an opportunity to join friends for a “fun run” or head out on the woodland trails.

Skijorers need to be experienced skiers with some skijoring experience. At this winter’s Vasaloppet USA you can compete with the pros in the 8.5K race or the recreation skijorers in the 3K race. You will see fast skiers with fast dogs as well as recreational skiers with their household dogs.

The Vasaloppet USA Skijoring Race rules and registration form are online at www.vasaloppet.us - from the race tab follow the links to the Mora Ski Club website or go directly to the Mora Ski Club website at www.moraskiclub.org