By: Baneet Bains, Syracuse M.S Public Relations Candidate
SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. – The 2.5K U10 Masters Mass and Dual Start cross-country races were held on the scenic Dewey Mountain trail system in Saranac Lake on Friday, Jan. 31. The event brought together Nordic skiers of all ages to enjoy the winter sport at an iconic facility located in the heart of the Adirondacks.
“These kids live in cross-country ski paradise, so they should take advantage,” said Todd Carter, 62, of Saranac Lake, who took the silver medal spot in the Masters Male 60-64 category. He raced to a time of 10 minutes, 56.2 seconds, just behind James Miller, Adams, N.Y. who took gold in 9:32.1.
William Preece has been volunteering for 21 years. When asked what the Empire State Winter Games meant to him, Preece said, “Just bringing everyone from New York up here to winter wonderland, everyone’s having fun and it’s finally winter, it’s beautiful!” Will Preece, of Lake Placid, (Preece’s son) won gold in the men’s U14 category with a time of 8:35.5, defending his title from last year.
Landon Kinal of Albany, N.Y. a high school phenom in cross-country skiing, had the following to say about the sport, “I love the comradery; it’s an all-around sport. Anyone can do it whether you are a racer or just for recreation. It’s just nice to get out in the woods and enjoy nature.”
Kinal, won by 6.7 seconds in the Male U18 category in 7:22.1. Nathaniel Burke of Altamont, N.Y. took silver with the time of 7:29.8 followed by Keaton Daley of Saranac Lake, placing bronze.
Grace Bartlett from Old Forge, N.Y., claimed the gold medal in the female U14 category, defending her title from the previous year. Cora Hinsdill of Remsen, N.Y. respectively won the U18 category with an impressive time of 8:02. Emma Murray of Gansevoort, N.Y. took silver with a time of 8:31.6 and Marianne Spyra from Rochester, N.Y. took bronze. Spyra’s older sister Gabrielle Spyra competed on behalf of McGill University (Montreal, Canada) and took silver medal in the U20 category behind Abigail Van Dorn who took home gold.