Acadia FCU Marathon
Madawaska, Me. -- At the Four Seasons Trail Association grounds, USA Sochi Olympian Biathlete, Russell Currier, ran away with Acadia FCU Marathon title today finishing the 40km (26mile) event in a record shattering 1:34:44, 14 minutes ahead of the old skate record held by former UMPI skier, Eirik Fosnaes, which was set in 2013. Current UMPI coach, Joey Bard, finished 2nd for the men. On the women’s side, Lydia Streinz edged out UMPI teammate Hilary Saucy by 1 second to earn her 2nd Acadia FCU skate title in 3 years. On the classic side Paul Cyr of Fort Kent, won the men’s event, also his 2nd Acadia FCU classic title. No women participated in the 40km classic race. See photos here and results here.
A total of 32 racers lined up for this annual event supported by Acadia Federal Credit Union, without which the race would not be possible. Currier’s presence was special for all of the young skiers participating in the kid’s marathon portion of the day as they watch him blazed through the stadium!
Despite 24” of new snow over the past two weeks, course conditions were excellent with a perfectly solid skate lane and pristine classic track. Race time temperatures hovered at 32° and with the cold nighttime temperatures holding fast conditions throughout the race. As usual, Four Seasons volunteers, along with Acadia FCU volunteer staff members: Nora Michaud, Amy Michaud, Nina Michaud, Luis Sanclemente, Dave Desjardins, Alison Voisine and Brian Stoliker made the event run smoothly. All skiers and volunteers were awarded marathon t-shirts and Caleb Streinz won the excel ski poles donated by the Van Buren Ski Shop.