RED LAKE I-500 COURSE UPDATE AND MILEAGE NOTICE

Racers and spectators should take note of the latest course information for this weeks Red Lake I-500. First, racers should be prepared for a route that will include at least one leg that may reach 60-63 miles. Although it is not finalized, the initial route run showed mileage varying by sled odometer, one of which registered 63 miles.

Spectators should check the U.S.C.C. website after 5 pm on Thursday, January 14th for the route map. That will allow spectators to find the optimum viewing areas to see the world's top cross-country racers in action.

The current route plan is to begin and end all three race days at the Seven Clans Hotel and Casino south of Thief River Falls, MN. Day one will have the racers head north through T.R.F., and then head east to Goodridge, MN for the first fuel stop of the day. Freshly fueled, the racers will head north of Goodridge up through the Grygla area before returning to Goodridge for fuel once again. After fuelling, the racers will head south back to the Seven Clans and the finish of day 1.

Day two will have the racers take a westerly route to the western Minnesota community of Warren where they will fuel for the first time. From there they will take a route that will see them run near many of the surrounding communities before returning to Warren for their final fuel stop of the day and the roughly 60 mile route back to the Seven Clans.

The final day is expected to be a duplication of the first day route which will see the racers again run the Casino to Goodridge route that will determine the winner of the 38th International 500 race, and the $10,000 cash prize that goes with the victory.

Race fans are encouraged to attend all the events associated with the race, including the award ceremony following the completion of the event on Sunday afternoon.