Skiers' delight

After being skied the same day as the Super Bowl the last few years the Lumberjack Jaunt will be conducted this Sunday, the week before football's spectacle.

Race director Josh Duda said the race has been moved up a week to coincide with the same weekend as Saturday's Governor's Cup race at Camp Ripley. Duda hopes future Jaunts will continue to be scheduled the same weekend as this year.

"The Governor's Cup is back up and running so now we're paired up with that," he said. "For many years, through the 1980s and most of the 90s, it was that way. This weekend fits our schedule better. We also got off the weekend of the race in the Twin Cities, the City of Lakesloppet."

Lumberjack Jaunt

When: Sunday

Where: Northland Arboretum, Brainerd

Kids Jaunt: 10:30 a.m., 1 kilometer

Classical races: 11 a.m. (6 and 16 km)

Freestyle races: Noon (6 and 16 km)

Web site: www.brainerdnordicskiclub.com.

Entry forms: Download from Web site.

Registration and bib pickup: In advance or from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Lunch: 1:30 p.m.

Awards: 2 p.m.

With more than 30 inches of snow having fallen, this winter's conditions at Northland Arboretum should be optimum.

"The conditions resemble more of what they were in the early 90s, and that's something we haven't seen in recent years for the Jaunt," Duda said. "We have a lot of snow. There are no more worries about having snow cover going into race weekend, which is nice for a change."

Approximately 65 skiers participated in last year's event. Duda is unsure how many to expect Sunday but is hopeful for a similar turnout as previous years.

"I've learned that you don't try to make those guesses until race day," he said. "Skiers have become pretty tainted over the years, with no snow and some races being canceled at the last minute. Many are opting to pay a slightly higher race-day fee rather than lose all of their early entry savings on a canceled race."

The event is organized by the Brainerd Nordic Ski Club. Registration and awards will be in the Northland Arboretum Trailhead Building.

Lumberjack Jaunt

6 km age groups: 15-under, 16-17, 18-19, 20-22, 23-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-up

16 km age groups: 15-under, 16-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-59, 60-up

Entry fees: 16 km events: $25 by Saturday, $30 race day

6 km events: $15 and $20

Kids Jaunt: Free

Lunch: Will be served after the races. Lunch is included in entry fees. Additional lunch tickets are $5.

Family special: First two entries full price, third entry one-half price, additional entries $5. Family entries must be received at same time.

Awards: Awards will be given to overall and top age group winners.

Prizes: Race entrants will be entered in a drawing for items from sponsors.

Aid stations: Located throughout the course.

MIKE BIALKA may be reached at mike.bialka@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5861.