The Snow Farm’s 26th annual Merino Muster not only benefited from being delayed two weeks, it also benefited from an increase in local community support this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

There were 132 finishers across three Merino Muster races at the Snow Farm yesterday (Saturday September 12).

The 42km race was cancelled this year due to the low snow base, but a 28km race was added and the 21km Snow Rake and 7km Straggle Muster also took place. 

The men’s 28km event was won by Campbell Wright of Wanaka.

Campbell, 18, competed at the World Junior Biathlon Championships in Europe early this year.

Snow Farm co-founder Mary Lee, 72, in action during the Snow Rake. PHOTO: Garrick Cameron

“It was really nice out there, and the track was mean. It was good to say ‘hi’ to everyone and cheer people on. It was a real family vibe,” he said.

Tim David took second place, and Petr Sykoia third.

Rachel Knott (Wanaka) won the women’s 28km event. Chloe Galtier was second and Sonja Mueller third. Rachel said the course was “fantastic”, with “really nice snow”.

Snow Farm general manager Sam Lee delayed the event, which was originally scheduled for August 29, for two weeks to Saturday September 12, hoping for more snow.

Snow Farm instructor Jonah skied both the 21km and 7km races in this disguise. PHOTO: Supplied 

“The weather turned it on,” Sam said, adding that the snow conditions were better for the delay.

Sam said the event reminded him of the early “grassroots” days at the Snow Farm, with a local crowd and only a few international competitors - who were unable to attend because of the border restrictions.

“There was a much more relaxed feel to the event,” he said. “We’ve benefitted from the local support and I want to give a big thanks to the local community for supporting the event in these different times.”

Another merino (Rachel Brown) accompanies a competitor in the under-10 race. PHOTO: Wanaka App

Snow Farm co-founder Mary Lee also organised a ‘virtual Merino Muster’ for the international competitors who would normally take part. The Merino Muster is one of the 20 international cross-country skiing events that form the family of Worldloppet races. More than 160 people took part in the virtual Merino Muster, both overseas and at the Snow Farm, before Saturday’s official event.

“It was a lovely New Zealand atmosphere with a sprinkling of internationals,” Mary said. “What really thrilled me was seeing the young kids skiing with great skill and enjoying it.”

The 21km Snow Rake (Male) was won by Steve Maluschnig, with Ben McMurray second and James Helmore third. 

The female Snow Rake was won by Jo Williams. Jo Tilson was second and Sammy Burke third.

The 7km Straggle Muster (Male) was won by Daniel Wright, with Lewis Briscall second and Asheem Corbett third. The Straggle Muster (Female) was won by Lulu Pettit, with Olivia Helmore second and Catarina David third.

A 1km Mini Merino Muster was also held for the under-10s.