Kenai Central sophomore Isla Crouse and Homer senior Leif Jaworski emerged victorious at the Candy Cane Scramble held at Tsalteshi Trails near Soldotna. The event featured a unique foam biathlon format, where skiers had to ski a loop, shoot foam bullets into a trash can, ski another loop, shoot again, and then ski to the finish.
Crouse clinched the girls race with a time of 18 minutes and 35 seconds, followed by Teresa Fallon in second place. In the boys race, Jaworski outperformed Kenai freshman Fletcher Darr in a tight competition. Both winners had prior experience in a biathlon program using laser rifles at McNeil Canyon.
The event was a fun and challenging experience for participants, with many skiers enjoying the mix of skiing and shooting. The chaotic range scene led the race organizers to trust the skiers in terms of keeping track of their penalty loops.
Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, competitors took the race seriously, realizing the importance of pushing themselves to the maximum effort every day. The Candy Cane Scramble provided a break from traditional racing, keeping the skiers engaged and eager to participate in similar events in the future.
Overall, the Candy Cane Scramble was a successful and enjoyable event for both participants and spectators. The unique format added an element of excitement and competition to the traditional winter sport of skiing, showcasing the talent and dedication of the young athletes involved.
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Photo credit www.peninsulaclarion.com
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