The Mono Nordic Ski Club organized its annual cross-country skiing event at Monora Park in Mono on January 24, drawing over 170 competitors from across southern Ontario. Participants from various clubs, high schools, and universities raced in challenging snowy conditions, earning points for the Southern Ontario Paraffin Race Series. The event highlighted the club's 40-year history of promoting Nordic skiing.
On a cold Saturday morning, with temperatures at -15°C, the trails at Monora Park came alive as the Mono Nordic Ski Club hosted its longstanding annual cross-country race. Founded in 1985, the club marked 40 years of operation by welcoming racers from 20 different teams, including high schools like ODSS and Mayfield, university squads from Guelph, McMaster, and Waterloo, and numerous ski clubs throughout the region.
The competition catered to a wide range of ages, from U8 beginners to masters-level athletes. Younger participants tackled a 1.5 km course, while older divisions raced over 6 km through hilly terrain that tested endurance and pacing. Event co-organizer René Beukeboom noted the diversity of entrants: “We have 20 different teams here from Nordic clubs, high schools including ODSS and Mayfield, and university teams from Guelph, McMaster, and Waterloo, as well as lots of ski clubs from all over southern Ontario who come and race. Our youngest competitors are U8, and we go up to the Masters division.”
To accommodate the weather, organizers reversed the usual start order, beginning with older racers in an interval format—15 seconds apart—hoping conditions would warm for the younger ones later in the day. Beukeboom added, “We have over 170 racers today. There is an interval start, so as a division, each racer starts 15 seconds apart. This year we did the order backwards and started with the older kids first, with the hope that the day warms up in the afternoon for the younger kids.”
Spectators lined the paths, offering cheers as competitors pushed through the final sprint. The well-groomed trails and ample snow created ideal racing conditions despite the chill. Organizers expressed gratitude to local sponsors—Barley Vine Rail Co., BMP Group, Booklore, Dave’s Butcher Shop, Global Pet Foods, Moguls in Mocean, and Orangeville Nissan—for providing door prizes that added to the festive atmosphere.
This event underscores the enduring appeal of Nordic and cross-country skiing in Ontario, fostering community and competition amid winter's embrace.
