The snow prints in Traverse City's BigFoot race won't be from some large animal.  Several hundred snowshoe competitors will leave Timber Ridge's Nordic Center on the morning of January 25^th to boogie down a mostly groomed 5km and 10km course of rolling hills.

Bigfoot, now in its fourth year, is fast becoming one of the premier snowshoe events in the Midwest. In fact, it is the North Central region qualifier for the US Snowshoe Association's National Championships to be held in Salt Lake City, UT.

Although, some of the best snowshoe athletes across the Midwest will be competing, the event has plenty of room for people of all ages and abilities. This is a great place to learn about snowshoeing.  You'll get plenty of encouragement and support and the entry fee is less than $20 including a t-shirt. Plus Bigfoot offers free use of loaner equipment courtesy of the Tubbs Snowshoes.

Need more incentive?  Call the Traverse City Visitor's Bureau (1 800 872-8377) to find one of many resort hotels. On Friday night, join in the fun at Auntie Pasta's pre event pasta dinner then head over to Running Fit to pick up your race entry and snowshoes (loaners that you reserved in advance).  Don't forget to stick around for the post race chili too.

First timers might want to arrive at the race early to make sure your bindings are snug and adjusted after a short warm up. Regular winter running clothes and shoes will work fine but don't overdress, as I discovered last weekend, because you heat up fast.

Former Michigan Runner Magazine editor and long time snowshoe advocate, Dave Foley has found that "snowshoeing is about twice as fatiguing as running so thirty minutes on the snow is like an hour on the roads."  The Bigfoot race will be on mostly groomed trails so lightweight metal snowshoes will work great.  If you decide to continue in this up and coming sport you might find that the wider wooden frames keep you up near the top of deeper powdered snow during regular workouts.

I envision the snowshoe becoming a standard part of a runner's equipment here in Michigan.  Snowshoeing burns 500-1000 calories depending on snow conditions and terrain. It offers the opportunity to continue trail running and more importantly provides a safer place to keep up your fitness. No longer will you be forced to run near cars that are also faced with slippery conditions. And running through a park is a lot prettier than in the slush alongside heavy metal cars.

The Bigfoot Race begins at 9:00 am on the 25^th. You can enter on-line at www.runsnow.com or call Running Fit in Traverse City at 231 933-9242.

Upcoming Road Race: Portland, Michigan is the site of a fun 5km Race. The Portland Winter Run was voted as one of Michigan's best post race affairs.  Runners are treated to homemade bread and vegetarian chili, ribs and ice cream. In addition to age group awards it features an annual Judge's Cup based on a handicapped formula. The event (West of Lansing) starts at 10 a.m. on January 18^th. For more information call 517/647-7873 weekdays or 517/647-1848 evenings.