BY BILL PHILLIPS
Did you know that the 32nd annual Prince George Iceman is less than a month away? It’s true.
The annual skiing, running, skating, and swimming event is set for February 10. Thursday, with some help from Mayor Lyn Hall and sponsors Integris Credit Union and the Brink Group of Companies, the organizers marked the one-month countdown for the event.
“Registration numbers are increasing steadily,” said Jim Van Bakel one of the event organizers.
With the early bird deadline for entries set for yesterday, Van Bakel says there are already more than 100 people registered to compete. He expects there will be around 500 competitors.
The Iceman involves an eight-kilometre cross-country ski at the Otway Nordic Centre, followed by a 10-kilometre run to the Prince George Ice Oval where a five-kilometre skate is in order, followed by another five-kilometre run and then an 800-metre swim at the Prince George Aquatic Centre.
Hearty competitors do the course solo, but most will be part of a team and will compete in only one or more legs of the journey.
Last year Chris Pendray from Smithers was the top solo finisher with a time of 1:53:56.
If you’re not up to showing your physical prowess, you can always volunteer to help.
“We’re always looking for volunteers,” said Van Bakel. “We need well over 100 people to help this event run. It’s definitely needed.”
Amanda Hallmark from Integris Credit Union said the institution has been a title sponsor of the event for a number of years.
“Community is very important to us at Integris,” she said. “This event speaks very much as to what our community is.”
The Brink Group of Companies is also back as a title sponsor and founder and CEO John Brink, who handed Van Bakel a cheque for $3,000 Thursday, challenged all businesses, particularly the forest industry, to get on board and sponsor the event.
“It’s a great, great, nationally known event,” he said. “We can do it, you can do it.”
If you’re looking to compete in the event, or volunteer to help out, the best way is through their website.