FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Piotr Bednarski
MN Biathlon
(612) 924-0381

October 12, 2000

 

Minnesota Biathlon Fall Festival
Woodland Trails Park, Elk River, MN
October 19, 21,22

The Minnesota Biathlon Fall Festival is a series of 3 rollerski biathlon races, held on the rolling paved loops in Woodland Trails Park and on the Elk River Biathlon Range. Last years event attracted 56 athletes from around the state, as well as several from New York, Alaska, and Colorado.

Do You Need Your Own Rifle?
Yes, you do- this event is for athletes with at least 6 months experience and have their own biathlon rifle or air rifle.

Who is Competing?
The athletes competing cover a variety of skill levels - much of the youth category are first and second year competitors. At the top end we have the US Junior National Team and many of the top Minnesota senior athletes. The US Junior Team is base in Duluth and includes Elk River resident Chris Gadacz, now ranked 4th nationally. The senior field includes Kara Salmela- '98 Olympian and National Team member since '96, and Andy Erickson- '98 Olympian. Kara is a Elk River High School graduate and Andy is from Minnetonka. Between the juniors and senior fields there are 8-10 bona fide Olympic hopefuls. The Manitoba Biathlon will also be sending 7 athletes and 2 coaches to compete in the weekend races.

Spectators:
Last year we had approximately 80 spectators at the biathlon range. This year we have cleared additional area so spectators can safely watch. We encourage spectators to come watch at the range or on the course. The pursuit race on Sunday is the most exciting and spectator friendly. We anticipate 80-100 spectators for the weekend races.

Race Categories
Seniors- age 20+
Juniors- age 17-19
Air rifle Youth- age 13-16 		Juniors- age 17-19
Youth- age 14-16
Race Schedule
Thursday, Oct 19
Registration and bib pick up 9:30am
Rifle Zeroing 10:00am
Race Start 11:00am
Racers over 12:45pm 		Saturday and Sunday, Oct 21, 22
Registration and bib pick up 8:30am
Rifle Zeroing 9:00am
Race Start 10:00am
Race over 11:45am

Awards and Annual Banquet:
Saturday, Oct 21 at 1pm at Salk Jr High School

Chief of Competition: Piotr Bednarski, 612/924-0381. 5032 28th St. St Louis Park, MN 55416

Marwe Rollerskis only - #6 training wheel is required. Demo skis available at the race.

Directions to Elk River - Woodland Trails Park:
Take Interstate 94 West to the Rogers/Elk River exit. Turn right and take 101 North approx 8 miles, then take Hwy 10 west. At the 3rd stoplight turn right onto Proctor Ave. Follow Proctor 2.2 miles north and go right just after the Elk River Golf Course parking lot on "Woodland Trails Park" . The road will dead end at a parking lot and you will have to walk out to the range. There are maps available at the gate to direct you to the biathlon range: it's a 10 minute walk out.

Location     Trails

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