PARK CITY, UT – On Saturday, October 24th, Steinbock Racing will host the 350.org/Steinbock Invitational, a rollerski race at Soldier Hollow, in Midway, UT.
While the 350.org/Steinbock Invitational will provide a great racing opportunity for rollerskiers of all abilities, it’s also one of over 3500 actions taking place in over 160 countries around the globe as a part of the 350.org International Day of Climate Action.
Founded by author and environmentalist Bill McKibben, 350.org is the first large-scale grassroots global campaign against climate change. The Actions on October 24th are coordinated by 350.org to urge world leaders to take fast and effective action on global warming. This is the first global campaign ever organized around a scientific data point: 350 parts per million CO2 is the safe upper limit for the atmosphere according to the latest scientific data. Currently, the level of CO2 in the atmosphere is about 390 ppm.
Steinbock Racing is North America’s newest professional cross-country race team. Its athletes, Chris Cook, Andrew Johnson, and Zack Simons, have over 12 years of national team experience, 3 Olympic Games, and a win in virtually every major race in the U.S.
"We’re excited," said Steinbock director Andrew Johnson. "To be involved in a climate change campaign of this size is really encouraging. As athletes, it’s often much too easy for us to focus solely on our personal pursuits, and to leave the real work of making change to others. But it’s important for us to realize that we all have a role; we all need to take responsibility if we want to avoid dramatic, adverse climate change in the future."
The race will be about 14 K for men, and a little over 10 K for women. Confirmed participants include the TUNA junior program, the University of Utah ski team, the US nordic-combined team, as well as national champions Liz Stephen, Andrew Johnson, and former Birkebeiner winner Zack Simons. However, ALL rollerskiers are welcome, and many local junior and master racers are expected to participate.
Photos from the race, as well as a large group photo following the race, will be sent to Times Square, New York City, to be displayed shortly after the race on giant video screens there.
For more information, and updates leading up to October 24th, go to www.steinbockracing.com, or contact Andrew Johnson at aj@steinbockracing.com
For more information on the global 350 campaign, including finding events near you, please visit www.350.org