Presented by Royal Gorge, Auburn Ski Club and Far West Nordic, this is the final event of the 2008 American Ski Marathon Series and is a benefit event for the Far West Nordic Ski Association’s Junior Ski Programs. ALL proceeds from your race entry help support nordic athletes in the Far West region.

NEW THIS YEAR!!!
NEW COURSE! NEW DISTANCES! NEW PARTY!
New this year is a scenic and challenging re-designed 42 kilometer TWO-LAP course (21 km. 1 lap for Silver, and a shortened 10 km. Bronze Rush). Plus, there will be an ONSITE party at Royal Gorge immediately following the race. And don't forget the 9 am start time!

Times & Distances
Gold: 42 km. • Silver: 21 km. • Bronze: 10 km.
Gold Rush starts at 9 am sharp, with the remaining races starting directly afterwards.
Gold Rush competitors ski 2 loops. Silver Rush ski 1 loop. Bronze ski a shorter 1 loop course. There is no Junior Rush this year.
Official timing for all events will conclude at 12:15 pm in order to guarantee prompt and accurate results for the Awards Ceremony at Auburn Ski Club.

REGISTRATION & FEES
TO REGISTER BY MAIL:
Entries postmarked by: February 15, 2008: $45 (Gold and Silver), $35 (Bronze)
Entries postmarked by: March 9, 2008: $55 (Gold and Silver), $45 (Bronze)
Juniors 19 and under receive 50% OFF the above prices.
No Mail-In Entries Accepted Postmarked after March 9, 2008
There will be a $5 Processing Fee to change races after registration.
THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION!

TO REGISTER ON-LINE at ACTIVE.COM (Processing Fee Charged):
No On-Line Registration after 3 pm, March 15, 2008

ON-SITE REGISTRATION: $65 (Gold/Silver) or $55 (Bronze)
BIB PICK-UP at ROYAL GORGE SUMMIT STATION:
Saturday, March 15 • 8:30 am - 6 pm
Bib Pick-Up Only: Sunday, March 16 • 7:00 am - 6:30 am
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION!

Team Trophy
Race Teams: Teams consist of 4-6 racers. Each team member can choose to race in any of the 4 events. Points are based on AGE CLASS STANDING of the best 4 finishers. Send your team entries together with fees, Team Name, and Team Captain’s name. Teams must be declared by close of registration, Saturday, March 15. (There is no additional team entry fee.)

5-Day Training Pass
$70 for 5 days: 5-Day training Passes available starting Tuesday, March 11. Enjoy training at Royal Gorge the week before the Gold Rush. Normal daily pass rate is $25-$29. All skiers must have a pass to ski on the trail system at Royal Gorge.

Feed & Wax Stations
The course will have 2 feed stations. All stations will feature cookies, water and fluid replacement drink. Replacement poles will be available for competitors. Replacement poles MUST be returned to the Race Officials at end of race.

Race Etiquette
Competitors who overtake other racers are NOT allowed to command ("track") the other skier to give way or move. Faster skiers must move around slower skiers. Slower skiers should stay to the right side of the trail.

Technique
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.

Gold Rush Cut-Off Times
Skiers not reaching the end of the first lap in 2 hours (11 am) will be asked to retire from the race. It is recommended that skiers unable to maintain a pace of 2 hours per lap should register for the Silver or Bronze Rush rather than the Gold Rush. In severe conditions the Chief of Course reserves the right to change to an earlier cut-off time.

Hydration Systems
(Camelbacks, Ultimate packs, etc.): Race bib numbers must be visible from both the front and the back of each racer for accurate timing results. Please be sure your bib is placed over the hydration system when you race.

Awards & Lunch
The post-race part with Lunch and Awards will begin at Royal Gorge at 11:30 am. Hot lunch and refreshments will be served from 11:30 until 1:30 pm. Awards will be presented at 1:30 pm to the top 3 finishing competitors in each age group for all races. Raffle prize winners will be posted during the party; you must be present to win.

Results
The unofficial results will be posted on the scoreboard at the Finish Area as they become available. Full results will be available on our website: www.farwestnordic.org

Local Lodging
Royal Gorge has one Lodge available. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 500-3871. In-state, dial (530) 426-3871. Info on lodging in the Truckee/Tahoe area can be found by calling the Truckee Chamber of Commerce at (530) 587-2757.

Directions
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.

Additional Info
For more information regarding the Gold Rush or Royal Gorge, please call or write:
goldrush@royalgorge.com.
Out-of-State: (800) 500-3871.
In California: (530) 426-3871 • Fax: (530) 426-9221
Or mail to: Royal Gorge • P.O. Box 1100
Soda Springs, CA • 95728

e-mail: goldrush@royalgorge.com