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Has your running regimen gone into winter hibernation?

Get back on track at The Yeti Snowshoe Series, a lighthearted 10K race or 5K walk across the undulating hills and dales of Whistler Olympic Park – on snowshoes.

But while the idea of running in snowshoes may conjure images of people racing with legs splayed and huge rackets tied to their feet, co-founder Marc Campbell says running-specific gear makes it as simple as jogging on a solid surface. Well, almost.

"The snowshoes are 22 inches in length and they weigh about a pound, so you don't really notice them, especially if you're on a packed trail. You run like you run and you walk like you walk," he explains.

"You are going to lose a little bit every time you step, so it's kind of like walking in the sand. But we have guys going out and doing 10 kilometres and they're done in 42 minutes, so it's incredible to watch."

And if you come in a little under your peak time, Mr. Campbell – who this year helped expand the series into Ontario, and has plans for Alberta next year – says you can safely blame it on the incredible views.

"Between the two and a half and three-kilometre marker, it's 360 degrees of mountains, so it's beautiful," he says. "If I was racing I'd stop because it's just so spectacular."

Feel like cheering from the sidelines? There's also plenty of room for spectators.

The Yeti Snowshoe Series is at Whistler Olympic Park Saturday (theyeti.ca).

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