Cross-country skiers will have a chance to suit up for the first local race in two years this Saturday at the Thompson community trails as part of the final weekend of Winterfest 2010.

The five-kilometre classic ski race will start at the trail entrance across from Popeye's and include a combination of the easy and medium trails, says Kristy Prystay, treasurer of the Thompson Cycle and Nordic Association, which is organizing the race.

"Ski marshals will be monitoring the race course and will have radio contact with the finish line at all times," said Prystay. "The trail will be well marked to ensure there is no mix up in directions."

The competition is open to students from Grades 5 to 8, who must provide their own equipment or borrow it from their schools.

"A lot of kids don't have their own equipment," said Prystay.

Prizes and refreshments will be handed out immediately following the 11 a.m. race at the Thompson recreation centre.

"We'll provide them a healthy lunch," said Prystay, and awards will be given to the top finishers in each age category.

Registration forms were handed out at elementary schools and must be returned to the Thompson recreation centre office by Feb. 26.

Prystay says she isn't sure how many will turn out for the race, but is hoping Mother Nature will cooperate.

"Hopefully, the weather will be nice for us," she said.

If all goes well, there may be more events on the horizon.

"If there's interest, maybe they'll want to do it again," said Prystay. "We're probably going to be having another race in March."

The last cross-country race in Thompson was in Feb. 2008 at Mystery Mountain Winter Park as part of the Norman Winter Games.