Sunday a good XC Ottawa contingent participated in the first edition of the Skinouk Cross Country race, in memory of their member and dedicated volunteer Suzanne Carriere, and in support of breast cancer research. Most of us love cross country running, and usually there are few races around here, so it's nice to see one added to the schedule. Unfortunately it fell on the weekend of another well-established cross country race (Jim Howe) and a trail run (5 Peaks), but we decided to do this one.
The race was held at Lac Beauchamp - a large wooded park built around a small lake in the middle of the suburban sprawl off Boulevard Mahoney in Gatineau. A nice discovery, since many of us had never been there. It will be the site of this year's Coupe Skinouk cross-country ski race.
As usual, Skinouk organizers did a top-notch job with the race organization, providing a festive atmosphere with music and an enthusiastic race announcer. And the course was fun . . . more trail with lots of rollers, rather than the grass fields which are common in many cross country races.
XC Ottawa had strong performances with Justin winning the 10k event, and Sheila, Megan, Alana, and Anna coming 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 6th in the 5km. We hope the event is back next year, and maybe on a day that doesn't conflict with other cross country races in the area so we can get our fill of XC running.
Full results are available on zone4.ca http://www.zone4.ca/results.asp?ID=2453&cat=all
Here are some pictures of the day. . .
(and you can view many more at www.musicianonskis.ca here and here)
Nice touch on the race bibs (pink ribbon - symbol for breast cancer awareness) 
Justin looping through the beach in the 10km event
Sheila at the finish
Megan chasing hard at the finish
Anna finishing strong
Kids 3km start
Justin atop the 10k podium
Evan and Sheila
XC Ottawa women
Glen household all up early to race
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