Six skijorers and 7 runners/walkers participated in the sixth Annual ASPA Orienteering Event held following the Open North American on Sunday at Creamer's Field. Participants used a map with clues to find 20 "controls" around the Creamer's Fields, the Boreal Forest Trail and the ADMA maintained trails on the Creamer's Waterfowl Refuge. The Skijorers had to cover 11 miles of trail to collect all 20 "controls" while the runners/walkers needed to cover about 6 miles to collect all the "controls".
2004 champion Matt Bray outscored defending champion Chad Carroll in the 60 minute skijoring class. Matt with Gilbert and Sullivan scored the maximum of 1000 points in 59 minutes to edge out Chad Carroll with Tico and Elvis who scored 950 points in 60 minutes. Third place went to Peggy Raybeck with Charlie Brown who collected 800 points but was assessed a 100 point penalty for returning 10 minutes late. The dogs with famous names seem to excell in this event.
In the running/walking class last years champion, Maria Bray with Natasha successfully defended her title with a total of 800 points. Maria brought back 930 points but was assessed a 130 point penalty for returning 13 minutes late. Dan Borton with Allie was a close second with 780 points with no penalties. Hal Meyer and Jimmiedog finished third with 590 points.
Sara Elzey with her 14 year old retired skijor dog, Shadow won the 30 minute running/walking class with a total of 580 points.
60 minute skijor class
1. Matt Bray (Gilbert, Sullivan) 1000 points
2. Chad Carroll (Tico , Elvis) 950 points
3. Peggy Raybeck (Charlie Brown) 700 points
4. Lisa Stuby (Killae) 600 points
5. Jim Altherr (Sophie) 540 points
6. Niina Ruckhaus (Tracker) 270 points
60 minute running/walking
1. Maria Bray (Natasha) 800 points
2. Dan Borton (Allie) 780 points
3. Hal Meyer (Jimmiedog) 590 points
4. Carol Davis (Tiny) 570 points
4. Jen Bell (Borie) 570 points
6. Barb O'Donnell (Cleo) 530 points
6. Linda Bode (Cleo) 530 points
30 minute running/walking
1. Sara Elzey (Shadow) 580 points
Big thank yous to Wallace Bandeff and his dog Finney for timing on Sunday, Peggy Raybeck and Lisa Stuby for collecting the "Controls" after the Event, and Pat DeRuyter for designing and setting up the course.
Please send corrections or comments to Don Kiely.