Heavy snow slows ultra-marathoners
Racers in the Arrowhead 135 ultra marathon in far northern Minnesota battled nearly a foot of snow that fell during the race.
Race participants travel by bike, foot or ski across a snowmobile trail from International Falls to Lake Vermilion, near Tower. Competitors travel through the night and are required to carry or pull survival gear.
It's the first time in the race's nine-year history there's been a major snowfall during the event.
"That's changed things pretty dramatically," said race organizer Dave Pramann. "The snow was coming down, you could barely see 10 feet in front of you for a while."
Pramann estimates only about a third of the 135 racers will finish. Pramann says the runners are struggling with the snow, and will all need at least two days to complete the course.
The snow didn't bother Todd McFadden of Duluth. He set a new biking record, finishing the course in 14 hours and 20 minutes.
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