A Little Bit About the Elm Creek races

Melinda Silbernick a ski coach for St. Cloud Tech.,Apollo, Osseo and Maple Grove High Schools, originated the race series in 1990 (32 years ago). The race series first began as a relay race with 4 participants on a team. At that time, a state qualifying event was the relay race. The purpose or mission, of the race series was to provide a weekly speed play opportunity for high schoolers and citizen races, on the northwest side of the twin cities and to make it affordable. In addition, it provided a fundraiser opportunity for the local ski team, in efforts to help with the cost of equipment, wax and training tools, as well as to fund the school x-Mas trip and skiers less fortunate. The biggest obstacle the race endured was the lack of snow, until Elm Creek, started making snow and graciously allowed us to continue the race at their site. Due to race preference by skiers the relay race format became a time trial.

Larry Schonhardt was first on board to help with timing. As the race grew, Amy XU brought new ideas, sponsorship, excitement, energy and added the classic event to the race series. When Amy started a new job in China, Mike Silbernick, Beth Maus, RJ Ochmann , Andrea Poly-Smith stepped in to help and Pioneer Midwest stepped up as a sponsor to help keep the event going. The torch to RJ in 2018 to carry on the legacy of Elm Creek race series.