Demino Ski Marathon

The sportsclub «Stovnerkameratene» (SK) from Oslo was part of the PWT group (41 athletes) to Rybinsk this year and we were 19 skiers participating.  We were of course all very disappointed that the race was cancelled, but arriving at the Demino arena we could see with our own eyes that skiing was not in any way possible.

Despite the fact that our main goal with the trip was not fulfilled, we had a very interesting stay in Rybinsk.  We were met by kind and positive people who made a great effort to ensure we had a very nice experience during our stay there.  In particular we would like to thank the excellent guides engaged by PWT, they could give us a wide and detailed perspective of both history and today’s life in the Rybinsk area.

We can definitely say that the arena you have in Rybinsk is one of the best we have seen during our travels to Worldloppet sites.  And we have seen all but one! 

Since the race was cancelled, PWT in cooperation with the guides had arranged a visit to a shipyard and a farm.  This was very interesting to us since we have people in the group with experience from both areas.

Alas, we were not able to do the Demino Marathon and consequently we missed having the stamp in our Worldloppet pass. However we were presented the race medal by the organiser which we very much appreciate.

We all agreed it was a very interesting trip since we experienced a variety of aspects from a community quite different from what we have at home.  In that respect we learnt a lot.

It is a long trip from Oslo to Rybinsk but based on the warmth and hospitality we experienced from the people in Rybinsk one should discard the possibility that we would return at the Demino Marathon sometime in the future.

Photos of the trip can be found here:

https://marathon.demino.com/news/?idgroup=3&itemid=1455

contributed by Frode Langaker /  «Stovnerkameratene»

& Demino Skimarathon