For the first time in their history, the B.C. high school cross-country running championships will be making tracks for Prince George.
The championships, typically held in the Lower Mainland or on Vancouver Island, will be held here in November of 2012 and 2014. The decision was finalized at a Saturday meeting in Burnaby.
Brian Nemethy, the north central zone representative for high school cross-country, first brought up the idea of moving the meet north while he was attending last year's championships in Victoria. Originally, he wanted to hold the event in his hometown of Vanderhoof but the lack of hotel space there made Prince George a logical alternative.
Nemethy is thrilled the championships have been pulled out of their traditional home. He also has some advice for the athletes who'll be here.
"The kids coming up, they better get gloves and tuques -- if not, they're going to hate it," he said with a laugh. "But, on the other hand, they might think, 'Wow, what a challenge, this is pretty cool.' And they'll have great stories to tell after that."
Vanderhoof's Nechako Valley secondary will serve as the host school. But, D.P. Todd secondary will act as the base of operations and the race will wind its way through Moore's Meadow. Distances will be 4.6 kilometres (girls) and 6.6km (boys). The championships are open to athletes in Grades 8 through 12.
Nemethy predicts that overall participation may be lower than normal because some people will choose not to make the trip north. He's not worried, however, about the level of competition. In his view, that will be just as tough as usual.
"The fast guys will show up for sure -- no doubt about it, they'll be here," he said. "It will still be a strong field."
Some of the top north central male contenders may be Austin Bartell, Sean Gaiesky and Alexander Nemethy.
The 2011 and 2013 provincials are planned for Kelowna.
