To the editor:

On behalf of the Saranac Lake 3P (Pole, Pedal, Paddle) race committee, I wish to thank you for your coverage of our third-annual event showcasing the many front-country recreational opportunities in our village.

If locals happened upon a bunch of enthusiastic neighbor-athletes paddling down the icy Saranac River on Saturday or biking from Mt. Pisgah to Dewey Mountain — that was us. Racers downhill ski, bike, cross-country ski, paddle a kayak/canoe and run their way to the finish line. It is hard to believe how many smiles light up our racers’ faces — but your story on Monday once again captured it well (‘Classic Saranac Lake,’ March 3).

We are particularly proud of our kids 3P race at Mt. Pisgah. We’ll know in a few weeks how much we were able to raise, but last year our charity race was able to raise $15k for snowmaking operations at Mt. Pisgah. This year, we raised for youth Nordic ski programs at Dewey. It is how we give back for these wonderful outdoor opportunities that we hope we never take for granted.

We couldn’t pull off this annual event without the support of our incredible sponsors and community partners, our top-notch army of volunteers, a bunch of crazy racers who “get it” and the enthusiastic friends and family members who cheer them on.

Our anchor sponsor was once again RiverTrail Beerworks. Their beer always tastes great, but is seen as a particularly wonderful treat after making it through this special north country race course. Adirondack Health sponsored the precious Kids 3P race.

Main segment sponsors included: Hyde Fuel, Trudeau Sand and Gravel, Icelantic Skis, The Fallen Arch, Northern House Works, Cape Air, Bishop Telemark, Scott Sports, NRS, Tissot Construction, Above the Tree Line Events and the Belvedere Restaurant, Jeremy Sheppe, Northwoods Engineering and Nori’s.

Community sponsors included: Wayne Darrah Autobody,The Wine and Spirits Shoppe, Altai Skis, Tri-Lakes Marine, Placid Planet Bicycles, Carcuzzi, The Woodshed on Park, North Country Savings Bank, Skida, 22 Designs, Origin Coffee, Forest Home Building Company, Upstate Auto, Capisce Coffee, Lake View Catering, Blue Line Sports, High Peaks Cyclery, Community Bank, Ibex and Voco.

Partners included: North Elba Local Enhancement and Advancement Fund, Village of Saranac Lake, Town of Harrietstown, Mt Pisgah Rec Center, Dewey Mt Rec Center, SLF&GC, Bing Bang Boom Productions, Silver Birch Cycles, Hotel Saranac, Slipstream Watercraft, Grass Sticks, SUNY Plattsburgh Adventure Sports & Expeditionary Studies Department and the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Next year’s race is March 7. See you there!

Scott McKim

Saranac Lake 3P race director

Saranac Lake