CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH

2013 Gold Rush

Thanks to everyone who has supported this race in its 30+ year history.
Unfortunately we will not be able to host a Gold Rush in 2013. We hope to revamp the event in 2014.
Please stay tuned to this web page for more information.

 

 

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Royal Gorge XC
April 16th, 2011

The 2011 California Gold Rush was notable for a new date and a new course due to blizzards in late March that left Serene Lakes buried in record snow. 115 racers skied either the Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Junior Rush on a warm, beautiful day at Royal Gorge XC. Despite warm temperatures, conditions were fast on the new mostly flat course. Farm Team racer Elias Bucher won the 42k Gold Rush with a time of 1:42:58, August Teague was 2nd at 1:43:05, and Rick Reynolds was 3rd at 1:47:06. In the women’s race Beth Reid was 1st at 1:50:00, Julie Young was 2nd at 2:08:40 and Carolyn Tiernan was 3rd at 2:14:58. In the women’s 28k Silver Rush Beth Thomas was 1st, 2nd overall, with a time of 1:20:05, Debbie Hakansson was 2nd, 3rd overall, at 1:21:26, and Laura Stern was 3rd, 4th overall, at 1:21:52. For the men Nicholas Grimmer was 1st at 1:12:41, Evan Vomund was 2nd at 1:25:31, and Joseph Merydith was 1:27:03. Dylan Syben and Katrin Larusson won the 14k Bronze Rush, 2nd place finishes went to Alex Kopytko and Joelle Romo, and 3rd places to Patrick McElravey and Skyler Flora. In the 3km Junior Rush Ryland Belisle was 1st boy, and Freya Davis was 1st girl.

Thanks to Everyone for racing & supporting our fundraiser.
Race Results
Race photos by MacBeth Graphics

 

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CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH


Gold RushHosted by Royal Gorge and presented by Far West Nordic and Auburn Ski Club, the California Gold Rush is part of the American Ski Marathon Series. This is a fundraiser for the Far West Nordic Ski Association’s Junior Ski Programs. Royal Gorge donates 100% of proceeds to our organizations.

The events attract top racers from all over the Nation, as well as local racers & recreational skiers.
You do not have to be a racer to enjoy this event. We encourage all cross country ski enthusiasts to come and join us in this great fundraising event.

 


RACE TIMES & DISTANCES

Gold Rush: 45 km • Silver Rush: 30 km • Bronze Rush: 15 km • Junior Rush: 3km

 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How do I get to Royal Gorge?
Royal Gorge is located off of Interstate 80, between Sacramento and Reno, at the Soda Springs exit. For out-of-state competitors, Reno-Lake Tahoe International Airport is the closest and most central gateway to Royal Gorge, with most major airlines servicing the Reno Area.

I am from out of town. Where do I find lodging?
Royal Gorge has two beautiful lodges - Rainbow Lodge and Ice Lakes Lodge. Go to www.royalgorge.com or call reservations at 530 426 3871 to learn about special lodging packages for Gold Rush participants.

Is the event Classic or Freestyle?
The Gold Rush Races are freestyle races; skate or diagonal stride techniques are allowed. However, no skating will be allowed for the first 100 meters after the mass start.

How fast do racers ski?
Obviously it depends on a lot of factors – but from previous races these are typically the time ranges

Are there feed stations?
The course has 2 feed stations (at the stadium pass through & at Deer Lake) providing cookies, water and fluid replacement drink. There is also a feed at the finish line.

Gold Rush startHow do I get seeded for the Gold rush start?
• Qualification is required to get an Elite Row - or a 1st row start in the 45km Gold Rush.
Please indicate on your entry if you qualify for these rows.

Elite (qualification required)
• Top 15 overall National Caliber 30K or longer
• Top 5 overall Silver Rush
• Top 15 @ NCAA Nationals
• US or foreign National Team member
• Under 200 FIS Points
• Birkie, Top 30

Row 1 (qualification required)
• Top 30 overall National Caliber 30K or longer
• NCAA Team Member
• Birkie, Top 120


• Rows 2 & 3 are self seeded; as are Silver, Bronze & Junior Rush starts

Row 2 (self seeding)
• Top 100 overall National Caliber 30K or longer

Row 3
• All other competitors


• The skiers right area in the start is reserved for female racers.


Are there prizes for overall winners?
Fastest man & woman in the Gold Rush receive $250 (thanks to Salomon).  First, second and third overall in each race receive a trophy mug to remind them of their success.

What are the age groups for medals?

45km 30km 15km 3km
GOLD Rush SILVER Rush BRONZE Rush JUNIOR Rush
<20 <18 <14 <8
20+ 18+ 14+ 8+
25+ 20+ 16+ 10+
30+ 25+ 18+ 12+
35+ 30+ 20+
40+ 35+ 25+
45+ 40+ 30+
50+ 45+ 35+
55+ 50+ 40+
60+ 55+ 45+
65+ 60+ 50+
70+ 65+ 55+
75+ 75+ 60+
80+ 80+ 65+
85+ 85+ 70+
75+
80+
85+


What about lunch & the Awards ceremony?
Hot Chili is served from Royal Gorge's kitchen from 10am & there will be a keg of beer on the deck. Awards ceremony is at 12 noon.

What do I need to know about Race etiquette?
Competitors who overtake other racers are NOT allowed to command (“track”) the other skier is to give way or move. Faster skiers must move around slower skiers. Slower skiers should stay to the right side of the trail.
Please be sure to have your bib - front and back visible to timers. Bibs should be worn OVER camel-backs and jackets.

Can I preview the Course the week before the event?
Check with Royal Gorge for Spring opening schedule.

Can I change my race distance?
Yes – up till 4pm the day before the race – at Bib pick up – or email info@farwestnordic.org.  NO CHANGES RACE MORNING

Are spectators allowed out on the course? 
Spectators are welcome on the course but must have a trail pass & please ski only in the direction of the race.

Can I ski after the race? 
Yes your bib is your ticket for the day

Thanks for supporting the event!

Gold Rush

 

Salomon Royal Gorge Fischer
Cross Country Skier Hammer Nutrition Skadi

 

photos by Olof Carmel