There was no need for spectators to bundle up for the start of the Iceman

Prince George, BC –  For an outdoor sporting event in the dead of winter, spectators and – more importantly – participants could not have asked for balmier conditions for the Prince George Iceman.

More than 650 participants took part in yesterday’s 25th Annual running of the winter multi-sport event that involves an 8k Ski, 10k Run, 5k Skate, 5k Run, and 800m Swim.  Temperatures were hovering near the freezing mark at the start of the event and climbed to a high of plus-3 throughout the day.

2015 Canada Winter Games CEO, Stuart Ballantyne, was on-hand to signal the official start to this year’s event, with skiers in the Open Men’s category leaving the stadium at the Otway Nordic Ski Centre promptly at 10am.

Mike Smith was in the lead as the men left the stadium, and was the first to finish in the category 1:50:15 later.  Patrick Turner was second at 1:52:55, with Chris Turski rounding out the top three at 1:53:57.  Click on photo at right for video footage of the Iceman. 

The top three finishers in the Open Women’s category were:    1. Anita O’Brien at 2:06:55  2. Lila Fraser at 2:10:43, and 3. Janine Turski at 2:11:44

The Iceman Society is looking to fill some critical volunteer positions to make next year’s event a reality, including Society Chair, Race Director, and Registrar.  Anyone interested is asked to contact John at 250-640-0019

With light rain falling, it may have been skaters who fared the worst of yesterday’s warm weather