Whatcom Events in Belligham, WA has announced a change to the 2018 Ski to Sea Race allowing racers to participate in multiple legs (with a maximum of three legs per individual). Teams will consist of a minimum of three racers and a maximum of eight racers. Individuals may compete in up to three legs for one team or multiple teams. If a team chooses to have a racer compete in multiple legs, the travel and gear logistics will be the responsibility of the team and their support crew.
Acknowledging both individual athletes desires to challenge themselves and teams being able to complete the registration process by filling the team, we have concluded that by allowing three-eight racers per team, both missions will be accomplished. We anticipate that we will see much more of the latter than the former, especially in 2018. While we welcome athletes who are up for the challenge to form a three person team, our focus is allowing more teams to compete by filling any needed legs amongst willing members of the team. The Ski to Sea Race will continue to be a team, multisport relay race regardless of whether that team is made up of three racers or eight racers or any number in between.
Following the 2017 Ski to Sea Race, we sent a survey out to all completing racers and asked the question, “Should Ski to Sea consider allowing racers to compete in multiple legs?”
An overwhelming 71% answered yes with comments such as, “If someone drops out or it is challenging finding a team member for that leg, then the team can still compete”, “Many athletes can do many sports and Ski to Sea is the only multisport race that I know of that doesn’t allow it”, and “It would give multisport athletes more of an incentive to join with teams. Teams with less members could still participate.”
The team price remains the same regardless of how many racers are on a team. At this time, there is no separate division for teams with less than eight racers but teams of all sizes will be eligible for Awards in their registered division. Chip Timing will continue during any gear and clothing transitions by any individual racer who is doing multiple legs in a row. Racers support teams will be relied on to gather equipment, clothing, personal items, etc at transition points for any individual doing multiple legs in a row. Traffic conditions and travel times should be carefully considered when planning to compete in multiple legs on and off the mountain respectively.
Registration for the 2018 Ski to Sea Race will open in January. The race is Sunday May 27th, 2018.
We are looking forward to a successful event in 2018. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss this matter further.