Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run 2012 set for Jan. 21

The running of the 32nd Annual Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Race is set in International Falls, Minn., the official “Icebox of the Nation.” Both the 5K and 10K races, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 21 have become legendary among regional and international road runners, says the Falls Chamber of Commerce.

The “Forrest Gump” nature of the Icebox’s winter temperatures (“You never know what yer gonna get”) combined with the trademark warmth of the local community make the event an annual memory-maker for FYGBR participants. In keeping with a race motto boasting “Only the Bold Run the Cold,” hundreds of runners, of all levels, have earned the title as well as the coveted FYGBR customized pullovers.

The 10K race route features a residential view of International Falls as it weaves through the downtown district and along the local stretch of Highway 53. “This brings the runners into the heart of our community,” said Faye Whitbeck, president of the International Falls Chamber of Commerce, “And our community has plenty of heart.” The route also provides exposure to the local businesses, and good access for cheering on the runners.

The FYGBR features new runners and creative remedies for conquering the cold every year. And for more than 30 years, it has also featured one distinctly familiar face. That’s Bob Conner of Bemidji, Minn., who has completed every FYGBR to date. Conner summed up his impressive commitment as “sheer luck, some determination and an unknown amount of insanity and very good fortune. The Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run is more than just another race. It’s got some history, weather, and encompasses great spirit and a lot of fun!” Conner’s sentiment echoes many of those who endure the FYGBR.

Two of the 17-year-old Durst quadruplets from Buffalo, Minn. along with Lifetime TV visited Borderland during Icebox Days last year. It’s anybody’s guess what media will come to town but it is known that the race is featured in one of the United Kingdom’s largest newspapers “Metro.”

The FYGBR is the featured event of the trademarked Ice Box Days Festival. Many events support the runners, including an open-to-the-public spaghetti feed the night before the race and pancake breakfast the morning of the race as well as an awards reception following. Fireworks under a winter sky will return this year to celebrate the historical festival which features a range of activities for the whole family. This includes a moonlight snowshoe outing through Voyageur’s National Park along the frozen beauty of Rainy Lake and frozen turkey bowling, the zany Smoosh races on 2x4 boards, and the popular Beach Party during Icebox Days, Jan. 18-22. Runners, locals and visitors find new ways each year to blend warmth and vigor into Northern Minnesota winters,” said Faye Whitbeck, president of the Falls Chamber.

“International Falls has a gorgeous four-season landscape,” she added. “And sometimes the hot summer temps exceed those of the Twin Cities.”

FYGBR runners may register at the Falls Chamber at 218-283-9400 or 800-325-5766, or online at freezeyergizzardrun.com.

Tags: sports, updates, running