November, 2005 -Portland, Ontario, Canada - Hello Big Rideau Lake Fans, here's a news update from the organizers of the 2006 North American Marathon Skating Championships.

First of all, we can report that once again we will have access to a beautiful Olympia Ice resurfacing Machine, courtesy of Resurfice Corp, to smoothen the Big Rideau. See if we can even out those pressure cracks!

CAN$ 3,200 CASH PRIZES For the first time it it's history, Portland Outdoors will offer cash money to the top three overall men and women in the 25 and 50K. The $3,200 cash will be on top of the thousands of dollars worth of prizes and awards we have been offering in all of the previous editions, which we will do again, courtesy of many of our sponsors. the third edition of the International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating Marathon

Kids under 12 skate for free. Last year we had 88 skaters in the 5K and almost as many in the 10K many of them children. This year, Lenscove Marina in Portland, one of the very first to commit sponsorship money to Portland Outdoors in "the early days" will sponsor the Kids 12 and Under Skate Free initiative. So yes. On January 28 and 29 in all races but the 25 and 50K Kids 12 and under skate for free!

In addition to many returning sponsors we welcome Canada Post and Rideau Insurance to the team!

Contrary to other years we will have to close registration of the 25 and 50 K 72 hours prior to race weekend meaning midnight Jan 25, 2006. These are the rules from US Speed Skating and Speed Skating Canada.

NEW! Have you heard of our latest addition?? A new race! On Saturday January 28 in the morning we will have a 5X1K team relay. Five skaters per team, each person skates a lap. First team to return wins it all!

Did you know that there has been a change in age categories??
*: Age Groups: The following age categories will be used in all races in the MSI Points Series: 0-17 / 18-29 / 30-39 / 40-49 / 50-59 / 60-69 / 70+. For all races, the skater's age will be taken as being what it was on the previous July 31st.

Closed or open Championship? Wondering whether a skater who is not from the USA or Canada can compete in and win the title at the North American Marathon Championships? The answer is yes, provided that he or she is registered with an ISU-affiliated organization, such as Speed Skating Canada, US Speed Skating or KNSB.