A highly-touted winter marathon held in the northern capital for more than 30 years won’t go forward in 2021
Organizers for the Prince George Iceman made the decision this month to cancel its 34th annual event in February as COVID-19 restrictions, as of this publication, continue to ban large gatherings of more than 50 people.
Each year, the five-stage race for the Iceman and Icewoman titles brings in hundreds of competitors from across B.C., Canada and, in some years, Europe.
Iceman Society spokesperson Jim Van Bakel explained to PrinceGeorgeMatters it was better to make the decision early based on the pandemic’s uncertainty.
“The chances of us hosting it this year were next to zero,” he said candidly.
“We’re crossing our fingers for 2022. Just in wait-and-see mode right now, but hopefully the pandemic can settle down for a full event.”
While athletes during the race have the opportunity to minimize contact, Van Bakel says the crowds at the venues between stages presented the biggest challenge for organizers.
He adds the current 50-person capacity at the Prince George Aquatic Centre wouldn’t make sense for the swimming portion, which closes out the marathon each year.
“A lot of it depends on the size of group restrictions, if they get changed in the next year; that was going to be our biggest challenge. The pool is especially concerning; we host a banquet at the end of the day and that was the next big challenge, so there was zero chance of that happening.”
The Prince George Iceman consists of cross-country skiing, speed-skating and swimming, with 10- and five-kilometre runs in between.
Cam McNamara and Shar Balogh will remain as the defending Iceman and Icewoman respectively until the next event.
