Media Coverage High Lights 2008

As the International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating Marathon continues to grow so does the number of media outlets that cover the event. This year alone, amongst others, we were featured in the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, Cottage Life, The Brockville Recorder and times, Smiths falls This Week and many other newspapers and magazines. We also received considerable coverage in the United States and the Netherlands, including a radio feature of National Public radio (NPR) and a leading marathon skating website Schaatspeloton.nl as well as video coverage from BrockNews.ca. Below you'll find a few of our favourite press items from Skate the Lake V held Jan. 26, 2008.

CONGRATULATIONS on one of the best and most organized Skate the Lake events ever. I enjoyed the past week - seeing the volunteer efforts in building the oval and then the actual event and fireworks. I talked to a lot of people when I was there and all comments were positive and very supportive. BE PROUD! I know the effort that goes into this event," Jan Bonhomme, Coordinator of the 2007 International Plowing Match (IPM).

Skating, the old-fashioned way, on Big Rideau Lake 02/04/08

Listen to audio | Download audio (3:30) By Lucy Martin

Skate the Lake's "awesome" ice.

(click image to enlarge)

Canada's capitol is famous for its outdoor skateway. It's the longest in the world, from the city's outskirts five miles on the frozen Rideau Canal into downtown.
But Ottawa isn't the only Ontario community promoting its outdoor ice — tiny Portland, on Big Rideau Lake, has made its bay into a natural speedskating oval that's attracting not only racers, but everyday skaters like our correspondent Lucy Martin. She missed a recent "Skate the Lake" race, but found the ice busy with kids and parents.

I hope you are being overwhelmed with accolades from the Portland race this weekend. You (and your committee) did a fantastic job, and I really enjoyed myself! From my perspective I couldn't imagine things could have run any smoother - ice included - and I'm sure most other skaters feel the same way. The weather helped too, for once, but it was all your work which really made things work. Rosie Chong.

GREAT EVENT!!! You did a wonderful job for the marathon this year as usual. Thank to great weather it turned out to be a perfect day to skate on the lake. Everything went very well and all the time and effort everyone put into the event showed. From the road marking for the event, the community center, the registration team, the start finish line structure, the skaters food and the chile afterwards and of course the great prizes...it was a perfect day!!",Kathie Zapotocki of Pennsylvania, winner of women's 50K.

BrockNews.ca. was at Skate the Lake 5
Jan 26, 2008 See their special edition

BrockNews.ca. was in Portland during the build up to Skate the Lake Jan 23, 2008 See their special edition

	Thanks so much for an excellent event once again! I can't believe you had everything lined up - perfect weather and the best ice yet! Love it. Alicia Weiss "Thanks for running such great races! It was a blast! I bet one of these years you will have Dutch skaters and will be running a 100 or 200K!," Jim Cornell of the Rochester Speed Skating Club and 2007 MSI Champion MORE 2008 PHOTOS
	Toronto Star mentions Skate the Lake in What to do in January Globe and Mail says - Check out International Big Rideau lake Speed Skating Marathon



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