FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rally for Raleigh Nordic Ski Race

Cross-country skier Raleigh Goessling from Esko, MN, earned a place on the United States Team that will be competing in the Youth/Junior World Biathlon Championships in Ruhpolding, Germany, from January 26 through February 2, 2008. To help defray the cost of Raleigh's trip, a Nordic Ski Race and Tour has been organized as a fundraising event. Goessling, a high school sophomore, is a member of the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Nordic Ski Team.

The Nordic Race and Tour event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 15, at Pine Valley in Cloquet. Skiers have the option of skate or classical technique races. Racing will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a mass start 5 kilometer skate race, followed immediately by the start of the 5 kilometer classic race. Skiers who are not interested in racing are invited to complete a 2.5 kilometer or 5 kilometer tour. A $5.00 donation per participant is suggested. No pre-registration is required, but skiers are encouraged to arrive and sign-up before about 6:15 p.m. Skiers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate, this will be a good event for experienced skiers, first-time racers, and people who just want to have some fun on skis. The Spafford Chalet will be open and a drawing for door prizes will be held. Additional donations can be sent to:  Brent Smith, 227 E. Harney Road,  Esko, MN 55733.

The cross country ski trails at Pine Valley have received rave reviews since the start of the season from area skiers regarding the snow and grooming conditions. Trails are groomed by the City of Cloquet Parks Department crew several times each week, with a skating lane and classic track set. The lights on the 2.5 kilometer loop are lit every day from approximately 4:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. No trail fee or ski pass is required.