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Sports Briefs: Half marathon sold out

The third annual North Face Whistler Half Marathon on June 1 officially sold out all 1,100 spots last week, although there are still plenty of spots remaining in the new 10km event (32 per cent sold out on Feb.
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The third annual North Face Whistler Half Marathon on June 1 officially sold out all 1,100 spots last week, although there are still plenty of spots remaining in the new 10km event (32 per cent sold out on Feb. 19) and 28 spots remaining in the Little Rippers 1km race.

The half marathon race has sold out every year, but this is the fastest that spots have been snapped up. The early bird registration fees didn't go up until Feb. 28, when the race sold out in 2012.

The event has grown from 850 spots in its first year to 1,100. With the addition of 500 spots in the 10km event and another 100 spots in the Littler Rippers there could be up to 1,700 racers at Whistler Olympic Plaza this year.

For more on the event, registration and volunteer opportunities, visit www.whistlerhalfmarathon.com.

Solid turnout for second cross event

The second Whistler Blackcomb Ski and Snowboard Cross race of the season took place this past weekend, this time catering to athletes 14 and older.

In Open Snowboard, Martin Jaurequialzo emerged as the top rider in the third round, followed by Alex Robertson, William Hooley and Josh Miller. Shinji Mitsumoto won the consolation round to place fifth overall.

In the men's ski race, Barclay Desjardins was first, edging out David Lepine, Jacob Lepine and J.J. Dejon in the last heat. Dominik Hani won the consolation final to place fifth.

In the women's ski contest, NorAm racer Sarah Lepine placed first, followed by Cassidy Deane, Alexa Velcic and Clara Cookson.

The next event on the calendar is another 13 and under event, scheduled for Mar. 16-17.

Events run over two days to give athletes more time to train on the course. The first day is for training and qualification runs, and the second day is for training and race heats.

The youth events do sell out some age categories, and participation is heavy from local skiing and freestyle clubs. Early registration is available online or at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations for $44.80, but if there are spaces left you can register up until 9:45 a.m. on the first day at the Rendezvous Lodge.

Helmets are mandatory, and mouthguards and other protective gear is recommended.

Sports Calendar

What: King of the Rail

When: Saturday, Feb. 23

Where: Base of Whistler Mountain

Registration is available at Showcase Snowboards after 6 p.m., with the athlete-judged rail jam running form 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. under the lights. All ages, both skiers and boarders, are welcome to take part for $15, with the top men and women in each age category winning a share of the entry fees based on the number of participants. All participants are also eligible to win draw prizes from sponsors. Helmets are mandatory and minors need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

What: Sigge's P'ayakentsut

When: Saturday, Feb. 23

Where: Whistler Olympic Park

Although it's only in its third year, Sigge's P'ayakentsut has quickly become one of the biggest cross-country events in the province, with almost 500 skinny skiers taking part in events at Whistler Olympic Park last year. This year's race looks like it will sell out all 700 spots, and offers a full marathon distance (50km), a 30km distance, a 15km distance, a sitski category, a 15km youth race, and other mini races and activities for younger kids that run over the course of the afternoon.

For more, visit www.payak.ca.

What: Yeti Snowshoe Racing Series

When: Saturday, Mar. 2

Where: Whistler Olympic Park

The Yeti Snowshoe Racing Series has two B.C. events this year, one at Mt. Washington on Vancouver Island and the other at Whistler Olympic Park. Two course options are available, a 6km sport course and a 12km enduro course. No snowshoe racing experience is required and rentals are available at Whistler Olympic Park for this event. Online registration is open until Feb. 27, and day of race registration is available as well. Check-in and registration is from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by a mass start 11 a.m.