1 Kari Tikka 2:18:30
2 Jim Mihell 2:39:13
2 Mikko Tervo 2:39:13
4 Mario Festival 2:50:13
5 Tenho Tikka 3:44:00 Classic
Al Riutta 45 Km
For the first time in the history of the Crystal 50, the Crystal trails were not used for the race. The downhills were dangerously icy, especially the Hiawatha Loop. Also, someone had driven a snow machine over many sections of the trials creating very uneven terrain. The groomer could not repair the damage in time for the event.
The organizers moved the event to the Lookout trails. The intention was to ski 6 laps of the Lookout trails including all the loops. Just before the start of the race, it was reported by one of the participants that two of the downhills on the course were also too icy. The final race course was 7 laps of all the trails excluding the Sugar Bush loop and the field section of the Mockingbird loop. The race finally started at 8:20 AM.
In the Crystal 50 tradition, it was a bit of a haphazard start. There were a total of 8 unofficial participants but only 5 at the start line. Al Riutta started a few minutes early. Tenho Tikka was still adjusting his wax at the gun and started a few minutes later. And Karri Tikka started even later.
Trish Westman was also at the start line but did not finish. She was the first women to attempt the Crystal 50. Under normal conditions Westman would have no trouble finishing being a veteran of the 160 kilometer Canadian Ski Marathon.
Jim Mihell and Mikko Tervo worked together throughout the race taking turns leading. They finished in an intentional tie for second.
