News Release
Nordic skiers make tracks in Anchorage, Alaska: 2009 Tour of Anchorage and 2009 National Masters Championships attract skiers across the globe
Anchorage, Alaska – Mar. 2, 2009 – Nordic skiers of all ages and abilities will glide along Anchorage’s award winning trail system for two amazing ski events spanning three days, March 5 – 8, 2009. Anchorage, a premier ski destination, offers more than 140 miles of groomed trails and a world class Nordic venue all within city limits.
21st annual Tour of Anchorage
Recreational skiers and competitive racers alike come from all over the world to gather in Anchorage for this much anticipated ski event, March 8, 2009. Groomed trails guide athletes on a scenic tour of the city; through wooded areas, along streams and the coastline with the Alaska Mountain Range and Chugach State Park as the backdrop. More than 1,500 skiers are expected to participate in this year’s event.
The Tour is part of the American Ski Marathon Series, North America’s longest running and largest citizen’s racing and touring series. The premier ski event features four races, a 25K classic and 25K, 40K and 50K freestyle. Each race is point-to-point beginning at different locations throughout the city and ending at Kincaid Park, Anchorage’s world class Nordic ski venue.
2009 AXCS National Masters Championships returns to Anchorage
Master skiers ages 25 to 80 plus will compete in Anchorage during three days of national championship races March 5 – 8, 2009. This is the second time Alaska’s largest city has hosted the prestigious ski event.
The American Cross Country Skiers (AXCS) National Masters is the largest Nordic championship event in North America and is open to competitors of all abilities; no licenses or qualifications are necessary to compete. More than 300 racers are expected to compete including former Olympians and Alaskans Adam Verrier and Todd Boonstra.
Racing will begin Thursday, March 5, 2009, with the 10K classic at Kincaid Park. Sprint relays will take place Wednesday, March 6 at Kincaid Park and the 25K, 40K and 50K freestyle events will take place Sunday, March 8 in conjunction with the Tour of Anchorage.
In addition to skiing, competitors will experience Anchorage’s Big Wild Life™, including the Ceremonial Start of the 2009 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Saturday, March 7, 2009, in downtown Anchorage. The Inlet Tower Suites and Hilton Garden Inn are offering special room rates for National Masters competitors. For more information visit www.tourofanchorage.com/masters09.
For more information about Anchorage’s Big Wild Life™, explore www.anchorage.net.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (ACVB) mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage as a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by lodging associations. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund, a contribution established in 1978, and one-third to service the bond debt and operations of the Anchorage Convention Centers. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. Explore www.Anchorage.net for more information.
Media Contacts:
Jeanette Anderson Moores
Public Relations
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
jmoores@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118
Explore www.Anchorage.net
# # #
