Craftsbury Marathon
The Craftsbury Marathon in Craftsbury, VT is a 50 kilometer Classic race that completes two 25k loops and has the distinction of being the largest marathon event in the East.
Weather – Overnight low of 6 degrees Fahrenheit with the start time temperature around 9F. As the day progresses highs could reach the mid 20’s.
Forecast Based Recommendation
Glide Wax Recommendation:
We recommend the following:
Base Layer: SkiGo LF Graphite iron, scrape brush.
Race Paraffin: Holmenkol Matrix Blue
Fluoro Powder: SkiGo C105 Powder or Holmenkol SpeedPowder Cold
Top Coat: SkiGo C105 Block or Holmenkol Cold block, Rubbed on, Corked in and brushed out with a nylon brush.
Structure: BNS XTi2 Stone Grind
Discussion: SkiGo LF Graphite will harden the base and help provide durability. Holmenkol Matrix Blue is the best wax for this range of conditions of warming from a cold temperature. It will provide the best glide and is very economical. For topcoats check in with us the night before the race at the registration for our up to date recommendation, but we feel very good about SkiGo C105 or Holmenkol SpeedPowder Cold in these conditions. Make sure to apply a rub on layer of fluoro block on top for added initial speed for the first 10K or so.
Kick Wax Recommendation:
As always with kick it is best to test morning of rather than going off a written recommendation.
Binder: Iron in Toko Carbon Base Binder, allow to cool and then cork.
Kick: SkiGo HF Violet or Rode Multigrade Blue 5-7 thin layers.
Top Layer for Speed: Thin layers of either SkiGo XC Green or Rode Special Green Cover
CONCLUSIONARY NOTES – BNS will have a table set up and will be testing top coats, hand structure, and kick wax at the race venue and at registration the night before the race. Come by to get our latest test results and recommendations. We are also the Official on course aid station wax supplier so we will have people there to help with touch ups before the race and on the course.
note: BNS imports Holmenkol and SkiGo waxes, and also sells waxes from Swix, Toko, Rode, Solda, Rex, Guru, Innovax, Magnar and others. We search for the fastest waxes for our customers and our testing is professional, objective and transparent. We make our best effort to test what we think is the best from each brand. However, given that we are testing more options from Holmenkol and SkiGo, there is a bias toward those brands. With this full disclosure, you can assess the legitimacy of our testing yourself. Visit Swix and Toko for their official recommendations. If you have any questions please contact us.