FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PORTLAND,
ON, FEBRUARY 1 2004 - The first International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating
Marathon, held in Portland Ontario on Saturday January 31, was a huge
success.
There were 150 participants in three races from four countries, Canada,
the USA, The Netherlands and Australia, and between 600 and 700 visitors
throughout the day.
Overall winner of the 50K with the men was Jeff Bakal front Sydenham, ON and with the women it was Allison Turner from Montreal, QUE who finished first.
Full results are posted on the Portland Outdoors website: www.portlandoutdoors.com/results
This race could have never happened without the many sponsors, but the local support in the Portland Community has been outstanding.
A FEW OTHER
DETAILS OF INTEREST:
*** Graham Lodge, age 66, from Kingston won the 10K race and finished
7th in the 50K.
*** Ryan Carty, top scorer of the Westport Rideaus Junior B hockey team
won the 5K on hockey skates.
*** Many skating enthusiasts that didn't race tried the 2.2 kilometer
oval afterwards.
*** The race was officially endorsed by the Ontario Speed Skating Association
and President Mike Rivet fired the shot for the Big Rideau Lake 50K Speed
Skating Marathon
Portland Outdoors is an organization founded by local residents and outdoor enthusiasts from Portland, Ontario. Founders are dedicated to promoting outdoor activities in all seasons in the Township of Rideau Lakes.
Part of the
proceeds went to the Portland Football Club (PFC) who are raising money
to bring the local soccer club kids to the Gothia Cup in July this year.
The Gothia Cup in Sweden is the world’s largest and most international
youth soccer
tournament in the world.
Sponsors for the Big Rideau Lake Marathon include: Kott Lumber, Len’s Cove Marina, Bayview Yacht Harbour, The Westport and Rideau Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Rideau Realty, The Review Mirror, Crosstrainer Fitness and Nutrition Software, Hershey Chocolate Shoppe, The Royal Bank, Nordic Skater and the Township of Rideau Lakes, Barry baker Carpentry, Laurysen Kitchens, Jamesview Builders, Portside Boutique, Westport Lumber and the Portland Community Hall Board.
#30#
