26th Anniversary Of The Perisher Blue Pub To Pub Cross Country Classic (27-Aug-08)

Perisher Blue, NSW, August 26, 2008 - The 26th anniversary of Perisher Blue's iconic Pub to Pub Cross-Country Classic

The 26th anniversary of Perisher Blue's iconic Pub to Pub Cross-Country Classic (the 'Pub to Pub') is fast approaching. Over the past 26 years, the Pub to Pub has been unleashed at Perisher Blue, filling the Resort with colour, fun and energy as well as bringing a new meaning to the sport of cross-country skiing.

The Pub to Pub, which started in 1983 with just five competitors, has now evolved into an annual event attracting up to 500 entrants. Contestants come decked out in colourful and outrageous outfits including everything from clown-suits to animal paint and last year the 'Verrry niize' Borat mankini even made an appearance.

The Pub to Pub is a cross-country mix of serious racers and dressed up cruisers having fun. The Classic takes in five watering holes and is open to anyone with a pair of skinny skis and a thirst for adventure.

According to Alan ''Barney' Davis, event founder and the only person to have completed all 25 races, "The first year, five of us turned up and it was pouring with rain. We skied the five pubs and people saw us. The next year we put up a couple of posters and 53 people turned up. It has now turned into an iconic event, with hundreds of skiers involved."  

The 2008 Pub to Pub, scheduled to herald the start of spring, will be a big reunion of past competitors and enthusiastic first-timers all ready to take on the challenge. While the majority of entrants are just after a good time, the event also attracts serious competitors, with a large contingency racing to win the title of Pub to Pub Champion. This year the total prize money for fancy dress amounts to $1500, to win, competitors must be on a pair of cross-country skis.

When: 4 September
Where: Smiggins Hotel, the race begins 1.30pm
What:  Five pubs in five kilometres. Don't forget the after party at Smiggins Hotel!
How: Enter at Smiggins Hotel at 10.30am, there is an entry fee of $25.00 (which includes a 26th Pub to Pub anniversary edition T-shirt).
Who: Entrants must be over 18 years old and have to be on a pair of cross-country skis.
Theme: This year it is all about originality. Be creative and let your imagination runriot!
Contact: Alan Davis, email alan.davis@perisher.com.au