For 32 years, the Prince George Iceman has given outdoor enthusiasts a reason to get up off the couch and get some exercise, knowing there's a goal in sight.
That annual race, which combines cross-country skiing, running, ice skating and swimming has helped define what Prince George is all about in the winter months.
On Sunday, Feb. 9 the city will get a reminder of that when hundreds of people line up to take part in the 33rd edition of the race.
It all begins on the world-class ski trails at Otway Nordic Centre, where the first leg of the race takes place. After eight kilometres of chugging up and down the hills, solo racers will transition into their running shoes or team members will tag their partners for a 10 km run to the outdoor ice oval at Exhibition Park. Skaters will then complete a five km tour of the oval ice before they head off on a five km run which leads them to the Aquatic Centre for the final leg of Iceman. After all that muscle-fibre punishment the trick is to try avoid leg cramps during the 800-metre swim to the finish.
A banquet will follow later that afternoon at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre.
The deadline for registration is Tuesday at 9 p.m. Online registration forms are available at www.strideandglide.ca.
