CHRIS LOWREY
Campbell’s Bay Feb. 1, 2020
Brauwerk Hoffman was busy place on Saturday as the brewery held the Snowshoe Walk and Race to raise funds for . . .
Special Olympics.
There we several events lined up throughout the day to cater to all kinds of winter enthusiasts.
The morning kicked off with cross country skiers taking to the trails until noon. After that, it was time for families to take to the small track behind the brewery while a massive bonfire offered a warm respite for the participants.
But the main event got underway at 7 p.m. as competitive snowshoe racers from around the region lined up to take part in the evening’s race.
More than 25 snowshoers took to the track in the darkness with nothing more than their headlamps to lead the way.
Organizer Paul Shea said the track was think with snow and tightly packed – perfect for fast conditions.
While the course is by no means easy, Shea admited racers will have it pretty good compared to the Mad Trapper race in Wakefield, where the trail isn’t groomed at all.
Shea chose to support the Special Olympics because he has a special tie to the games – he serves as a track, snowshoeing and cross-country ski coach.
With more than 12 years of snowshoe racing under his belt, Shea is well-suited to pass along his knowledge to his athletes.
Shea has been putting in long hours since the fall making sure the trail was in pristine condition for the racers. He said he’s been putting in eight hours per week since the fall making sure everything was in top shape.
Shea said the idea to host the event came to him and Brewery owner Todd Hoffman one day during the summer.
“Todd and I decided over a beer this summer and thought it was a good idea,” Shea said.
With more than 100 walkers taking to the track throughout the day, Shea said the event was a success.
