A fresh coating of snow, moderate temperatures, and little wind set the stage for an ideal day for the 22^nd running of the North End Classic. 130 racers assembled for this great community tradition. All racers received a custom Borah Teamwear ski hat and gathered for a post-race pasta feed at the Rivers Eatery in Cable.

Younger skiers in the North End Cookie Classic also had a great day, as they participated in races of .5 km, 1 km, and 2 km. All “Cookie” skiers received a bag of cookies on a ribbon as their award.

Images of the day’s racing by local photographer Kelly Randolph can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/OnceInABlueMoonStudioKellyRandolph.

The new snow, while freshly groomed, created slower than usual conditions, but that did not deter former Olympian John Bauer from setting a blazing pace around the North End Classic course in a winning time of 1:21:26. In addition to his win, that day Bauer (Hayward, Wis.) also celebrated his 52^nd birthday. The balance of the men’s 25km podium reads like a Who’s Who of the North End Classic with past champions Adam Swank (Duluth, Minn.) taking second at 1:22:31 and Jonathan Rulseh (Ironwood, Mich.) third, just five seconds back at 1:22:36.

In the women’s North End Classic 25km a number of new faces graced the podium with Maria Stutz (Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.) taking top honors at 1:41:04. Ketzel Levens (Duluth, Minn.) secured second place with a time of 1:42:02 as Katrin O’Grady (Minneapolis, Minn.) took third at 1:48:20.

In the men’s 12.5km North End Classic, Paul Cigan (Hayward, Wis.) thoroughly dominated the field winning by over an eight minute margin at 42:13. Jeff Tumbleson (Hayward, Wis.) turned in a solid 50:35 second place performance with Tristin Bentzler (Eau Claire, Wis.) rounding out the top three at 52:05.

The women’s 12.5km race saw Quinn Schollett (Minneapolis, Minn.) take top honors with a time of 56:44. She also placed fifth overall among all male and female participants. Jaime Mueller (Winona, Minn.), less than a minute back came second at 57:33, with Beth Emerson (Spooner, Wis. ) following in third at 1:02:00.

Complete results can be viewed at https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=267192.

The North End Classic is grateful for the generous support of many area businesses and race organizers extend a hearty thank you to 2022 North End Classic sponsors!  Major Sponsors: Borah Teamwear, Rivers Eatery. Event Sponsors: Hayward Area Memorial Hospital/Water’s Edge, Cable Area Chamber of Commerce, New Moon Ski and Bike Shop, Essentia Health, McKinney Realty LLC, Redbery Books, United Church of Christ. Associate Sponsors: Cable Chiropractic Clinic, Coop’s Pizza Parloure, Cresthill Resort, Delta Diner, Start Line Inn/Start Line Services, Seeley Veterinary Clinic. Supporting Sponsors: Backroads Coffee, Brickhouse Café, Drumming Woods B&B, Mogasheen Resort, Northern Native Plantscapes, Rondeau’s, Sawmill Saloon, Velo Café.