EAU CLAIRE - For the fifth year in a row, snowshoe racers will take to the trails of Lowes Creek County Park, with a few changes this year. The Chippewa Off Road Bike Association (CORBA) is planning an event that will take the place of the discontinued Rumble in the Jungle snowshoe race: The Chippewa Valley Powder Keg snowshoe race.

The race will be held Saturday, January 29, at the Eau Claire County Expo Center and Lowes Creek County Park. There will be a 5-mile race, a 2-mile run/walk, and a short kids and mascots race.

Those interested in participating can pre-register for $20 via Active.com or by printing and mailing a registration form from the CORBA web site at www.chippewaoffroad.org/events/powderkeg.  There will also be an opportunity to register on the day of the event, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Eau Claire County Expo Center’s main building.  Race day registration will cost $25.  The cost for kids 12 and under is $5.  Snowshoe rentals are available for $5, on a first-come, first-served basis, by contacting the race director at jrauckman@gmail.com.  Proceeds from the race will go toward trail building and maintenance in the Chippewa Valley.

The kid’s and mascot’s race will take place at 10:30 a.m. The 5-mile race will begin at 11:00 a.m. and the 2-mile run/walk at 11:10 a.m. Awards and a prize drawing for registered racers will immediately follow the races, in addition to pizza from Action City, and hot chocolate and fruit provided by Festival Foods.  Spectators are invited to hang out by the bonfire and cheer the racers on!

The estimated economic impact on the Eau Claire area is $40,500.

For more information, please contact Jereme Racukman at (715)894.7429 or jrauckman@gmail.com