Most frequent questions and answers
FAQ
Genral FAQs
When is the 2025 PG Iceman?
Sunday February 9, 2025
How do I register?
It’s easy – you can register online through the link in our registration page
For registration questions/concerns please contact registration@pgiceman.ca
What is the PG Iceman
I’m new to PG and all I’ve heard about since I’ve moved to town is how amazing the PG Iceman is. Can you tell me more about it?
Welcome! Come experience winter in Prince George in the 33rd Annual Prince George Iceman! This multi-sport event brings together winter pursuits, and showcases the city’s great recreation facilities. It’s a race for everyone from beginner to elite athletes, and includes both solo and relay team categories. The event is spectator-friendly, with many opportunities to cheer on participants at the Otway Nordic Centre, the Outdoor Ice Oval and the Aquatic Centre.
Okay, I’m sold! What are the events that comprise the Iceman?
The Iceman is comprised of 5 events. The day starts with an 8km cross-country ski at the Otway Nordic Ski Centre. Next, it’s onto a 10km run from the Ski Centre along Otway Road, up Foothills Boulevard to the Outdoor Ice Oval. Next, you guessed it, it’s a 5km skate (12 laps) around the Oval. Following the skate, there is 5km run heads south from the Oval to 22nd Avenue and then winds through the Pinewood subdivision and out to Ospika. The route then heads north on Ospika to 18th Avenue and west to the Aquatic Centre. Last but not least, is an 800m swim (yes, this part is indoors!). Junior competitors complete different distances (see below).
Sounds fabulous! How can I participate?
Glad you asked. There are lots of ways to be a part of this fabulous event. If you are 16 years old or older you can take the challenge to complete all 5 legs of the event as a soloist or compete as part of a team. If you want to experience the excitement of the event but aren’t able to compete, we are always looking for people to join us to volunteer at package pick-up and on race day.
Learn more about how to register.
Okay, I now know that participating in the Iceman is priceless, but how much is registration?
You can find out more about registration fees and deadlines on the registration page!
I'm from out of town, do you have a meet hotel to stay with a discounted rate?
YES WE DO! This year we have an AMAZING meet hotel! The Courtyard by Marriott has generously given us a discounted group rate for our out of town participants!
I’d really like to volunteer. What are the types of things I could help with? Who do I contact?
There are so many great things to do at package pick-up and on race day as a volunteer. We depend on our awesome volunteers every year to ensure that our event runs smoothly.
Find out more about our volunteer opportunities or fill out our Volunteer Sign Up form and our amazing volunteer coordinator will be in touch with you!
My company would love to be a Sponsor of the Iceman event. Who do I contact to make this happen?
We would love to have you join us as a Sponsor. Please email our Sponsorship Coordinator. As a sponsor, you will be featured on our Facebook page, on the Iceman website, promoted via our twitter account and your logo will be on the placemats at the banquet. In addition, you are welcome to place a banner in the Civic Centre during the banquet.
What about Iceman Gear?
We’ve got some great every year. Items will be available at package pick up and at the Banquet (if there is any gear left after package pick up) CASH ONLY!!
You can also email us to get your hands on some sweet gear early!
Where can I park?
As parking in certain venues is limited, please take a look at at the Parking information on the extra rules and info page, and shuttle options.
Team FAQs
I think this year I’d like to participate on a team. How many people do I need to make a team?
A team can have anywhere from 2 to 5 members. Teams can be all male, all female or mixed. Gather your family, friends and coworkers to make a team!
Junior Teams must have 6 members because the 10km run is split between 2 runners. See junior information.
I’m looking for a team to participate on or Our team needs another member – can you help me?
While we don’t actively help you find a team, we do always have a post on our facebook page to help members looking for teammates connect.
Our team needs another member – can you help me?
While we don’t actively help you find a team, we do always have a post on our facebook page to help members looking for teammates connect.
Where can I find more information about teams?
You can find more information about junior teams on the PG Iceman page
Juniors FAQs
What age qualifies as a Junior?
Juniors are 10-15 years of age.
Is the Junior course the same as the regular course?
No. It is a 4km ski, 10km run (2 runners @ 5km each), 3 km skate (7 laps), 5km run and 400m swim.
So a Junior team needs to have 6 members?
Junior Teams must have 6 members because the 10km run is split between 2 runners.
Where can i find more information about junior teams?
You can find more information about junior teams on the PG Iceman page
Participant FAQs
Where can I find maps of the skiing course and running routes?
Maps of the course will be posted on the Maps page.
What is the best way to get out to Otway? I heard there is a FREE shuttle bus.
Parking at the Otway Nordic Centre is VERY limited and we like to minimize traffic on Otway Rd for the safety of our participants and volunteers. We strongly advise that you use the free shuttle bus, which goes between the Aquatic Centre and Otway every 20 minutes.
What about the transition zones?
There are 4 transition zones.
- Otway: ski to 10km run
- Ice Oval: 10km run to skate
- Ice oval: skate to 5km run
- Pool: 5km run to swim
The transition zones are very busy and only our volunteers and competitors are permitted in this area. It is the soloists’ responsibility to have their gear for the next leg at the transition in a bag with their competitor number on it (provided at package pick-up)
Where should my bib be placed?
Your bib must be placed in an easily visualized spot on the front of your outer layer
Can I wear my headphones?
No. Headphones are not allowed for safety reasons.
Are there other rules I should be aware of?
See rules and extra info here
Package Pick-Up FAQs
Okay it’s getting close to race day. What do I need to do?
Most importantly, make sure you have registered! After that’s taken care of, come see us at package pick-up !
Can I pick up the race package on behalf of my team?
Yes! It is important to know your team name before you come to package pickup.
Can I pick up the race package for another competitor?
Yes. However, it is important that you pass along the important information provided at race package pick-up to that person – most importantly the safety issues (obey volunteers at train crossings, no headphones on the course and mandatory helmets during the skate) and their start time for the ski at Otway.
I’m from out of town and won’t be in until late on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. How can I pick up my race package?
Late package pick-up can be done at the Aquatic Centre at 8 a.m.
Race Day FAQ
Where and when does our team get our timing chip? Where do we wear this timing chip? Do we need to hand it off to the next member of our team?
There is one timing chip per solo competitor and per team. The timing chips are picked up in the Otway Ski Cabin the morning of the race (time to be provided at package pick-up) and you must have your bib number to pick up the chip. The timing chip can be placed on your colored lanyard provided at package pickup (the color will correspond to the start time of the ski). It can be worn around your wrist, in your pocket or around your neck (except for swimmers who are to wear it on their wrist). The timing chip is passed from team member to team member in the transition zone.
What does the swimmer need to do before the event on race day?
The swimmer must have their number marked on both upper arms. Junior swimmers must also have a “J” below their number. Our volunteers would be happy to do this for you on race day at the Aquatic Centre starting at 8:00 a.m. and continues until 11:00 a.m. Or, you can grab your own Jiffy marker and have a friend or family member do it for you.
I’m kind of a big deal and I have a lot of fans. Can they come to cheer me on?
Of course! We love having lots of fans to cheer our participants on!
The event is spectator-friendly, with many opportunities to cheer on participants at the Otway Nordic Centre, the Outdoor Ice Oval and the Aquatic Centre.
What does the soloist need to do on race day?
They also need body marking for the swim (see above). In addition, they need to drop their bag at the pool with their cap and goggles (and swimsuit if not wearing under their race clothes). They need to drop their bag at Otway (with their running shoes) and also drop their bag at the Ice Oval with their helmet, skates/Nordic blades and anything else they might need.
Are there cutoff times?
Yes. All participants must reach the skate portion of the event by 1:30 pm, or the end of the course by 3:00 pm. Please recognize these times are necessary out of respect for our volunteers and to allow the banquet to begin on time.
What if it’s cold?
The Prince George Iceman has a policy in place that if weather conditions are poor, we will consider delaying or cancelling the Iceman based on weather conditions ON THE MORNING OF THE EVENT.
The plan for 2024:
- If the temperature at Otway (link here) is minus 22 Celsius, we plan to delay the start of the event.
- If the temperature at Otway is minus 22 Celsius and getting colder, the event will be cancelled.
At 8am on the day of the event, if required, we will announce on Facebook and our website (announcement link here) that we need to delay the start of the event by 1 hour to an 11am start). The weblink for race day announcements can also be accessed by scanning the QR code on the back of your race bib.
This is the maximum that we can delay the start due to traffic control and venue restrictions. If a delay occurs, please pay close attention to the Facebook page and the website for updates. The banquet will go ahead regardless of the weather. Regardless of weather, it is ultimately up to each individual if they feel safe to participate and take cold weather precautions.
Ski FAQs
What time do we start?
Your start time will be provided to you at package pick-up and will be marked on your bag. If you are unclear as to your start time, please ask a volunteer at package pick-up as we don’t want you to miss the start of your event.
How long is the course? What is the course?
8 km (two 4km laps). The course is similar to previous years but is a new loop this year. We are hopeful that this will be the permanent course going forward.
Is there anywhere to rent cross-country skis?
Yes! You can rent skis at the Otway Nordic Centre.
Is the ski portion classic or skate technique?
You can do either classic or skate technique. Many participants chose to skate because it tends to be faster, but certainly there are people doing both. The important thing is that you Just Do It!
Can my fans come to Otway to cheer me on?
Of course! We love having lots of fans to cheer our participants on.
However, be advised that parking at Otway is VERY limited and we advise that you take the free shuttle which goes between the Aquatic Centre and Otway every 20 minutes. The first bus leaves the Aquatic Centre at 8:20 a.m. and the last bus leaves Otway at 1:30. If you are driving, there can be long delays on Otway Road due to trains and at the overpass at Foothills Blvd where our runners have to cross the road.
I’m a soloist. How will my nordic boots get from Otway to the Ice Oval for the skate?
There is a boot shuttle available from the ski facility to the Outdoor Ice Oval. Boots must be placed in one of the plastic bags with your participant number on it (provided at package pickup) and then placed in the boot basket. These will magically appear at the Oval! Boots put in the basket without being put in your numbered bag are not guaranteed to arrive at the Ice Oval
I’m a soloist. What about happens to my skis and poles once I leave Otway?
This year we are asking the soloists to strap them to their backs for the 10km run. JUST KIDDING. You can either have a friend or family member take them from you at Otway or our volunteers will gather them and bring them to the Civic Centre. **Please ensure all of your equipment is clearly marked with your name!!!!**
Where can i find more information about the Ski event
This year we are asking the soloists to strap them to their backs for the 10km run. JUST KIDDING. You can either have a friend or family member take them from you at Otway or our volunteers will gather them and bring them to the Civic Centre. **Please ensure all of your equipment is clearly marked with your name!!!!**
10km Run FAQs
What is the 10km route?
See the ‘Information & Registration’ tab for details. Basically, you exit the Otway Nordic Ski Centre and head out onto Otway Road. Run east on Otway Road until Foothills Boulevard. Head south on Foothills Boulevard to 18th Avenue. From there you will head into the Outdoor Ice Oval area.
Trains? I love trains!!
We love trains too, although not so much on race day. There are two level crossings on Otway Road and trains can cross at any time during the race. There will be volunteers at each crossing. You MUST stop for all trains and follow the instructions of the volunteers. Do not worry about your time – the delay will be deducted from your time. Any participant not following this rule will be DISQUALIFIED.
How many aid stations are on the 10km route?
There is one water/Gatorade station part way down Otway and one partway up Foothills.
Can I wear my headphones, run with my dog or run with my child in a stroller?
No, no and no. No headphones, dogs or strollers allowed.
where can i find more info about the 10km Run?
You can find more information about the 10km run on the schedule & events page.
Skate FAQs
What type of skates are allowed?
Any kind of skates can be worn. Hockey skates, figures skates, speed skates or Nordic blades (blades that attach to your Nordic ski boots).
What about helmets?
Helmets are required!!! Any kind of helmet will do: bike helmet, hockey helmet, speed skating helmet. You will not be allowed to skate without one.
Can I do warm up laps?
Yes, limited warm up space will be available on the ice.
What is the distance? How many laps is that?
The skate is 5 km, which is 12 laps.
What about spectators at the Oval?
No spectators will be allowed at ice level for safety reasons. There will be a designated spectator area providing good views of the action though.
Do I need a person to count my skating laps?
No. This year we will be using handheld counters. Each skater will be responsible for counting their own laps. These will be provided to each soloist/team at the Ice Oval when you arrive at the oval and must be returned at the Ice Oval after the skate. **Remember that when you click over to 12 that you are finished, you don’t do another lap**.
What if the weather has caused the ice to melt?
There will be no skate. The 10km runner will hand-over directly to the 5km runner. No refunds will be issued.
Where can I find more info about the skate event?
You can find more information about the skate event on the schedule & events page.
5km Run FAQs
What is the 5 km route?
Route details available at www.pgiceman.ca. Essentially the 5km run heads south from the Oval to 22nd Avenue and then winds through the Pinewood subdivision and out to Ospika. The route then heads north on Ospika to 18th Avenue and west to the Aquatic Centre.
Can I wear my headphones, run with my dog or run with my child in a stroller?
No, no and no. No headphones, dogs or strollers allowed.
Is there a water station on the 5km route?
There is a water station at the very beginning of the 5km just as you head into the path to leave the Oval.
Where can I find more info about the 5km run?
You can find more information about the 5km run on the schedule & events page.
Swim FAQs
What does the swimmer need to do before the event on race day?
Need to have team number marked on both sides of the upper arm. Junior swimmers need a “J” marked below their number. Our volunteers would be happy to do this for you on race day at the Aquatic Centre starting at 8:00 a.m. and continues until 11:00 a.m.. Or, you can grab your own Jiffy marker and have a friend or family member do it for you.
Can my friends and family come watch me at the pool?
Place your goggles/+/- cap towel etc in one of the numbered plastic bag (provided at package pick-up) on a numbered hook at the pool by the soloist entrance on the morning of the race. You will be handed the bag as you enter the pool. Place the clothes you were wearing into the plastic bag and back to the numbered hook for retrieval after the race.
Can I dive in the pool?
No! For safety reasons, you must enter the pool feet first.
I’m doing the swim for my team. What is the best way to get into the pool?
Please enter via the main/front doors of the pool and make your way onto the pool deck and to the team transition area at the southwest corner (the end by the diving boards).
How does the swim work?
See Swim map. Essentially, you will start in lane 1, head up lane one, under lane rope, head back in lane 2, under lane rope, head up lane 3, under lane rope all the way to lane 8. That’s only 400 metres though! So, you will exit via the ladder at lane 8 and walk back to the start at lane 1. There you will again enter feet first and repeat!
Where can I find more info on the swim event?
You can find more information about the swim event on the schedule & events page.
After The Race FAQs
I’m going to be famished after I rock this event, what about grub?
We have a fabulous buffet lunch ready for you at the Civic Centre. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the proceedings start at 2:00 p.m.
I participated as a soloist (or as a member of a team), do I have to pay for my banquet ticket? What if I want an extra ticket?
As a participant your banquet ticket is included with your registration fee. Extra banquet tickets are available for purchase on the registration website and at package pickup at the Courtyard Hotel on Saturday February 8th. We encourage all participants to order any extra banquet tickets needed for family or friends with their registration as we only sell 30 tickets at package pick up and ran out of tickets during our 2019 Iceman. Unfortunately there are no exceptions to allowing entry without a ticket, even if you are a parent of a child who participated. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE order any extra tickets you’ll need with registration!
What are the categories for awards?
- Junior Girls/Boys/Mixed teams (<16 years of age)
- Female/Male Open, Masters, Grand Masters and Veteran soloists
- Women’s/Men’s/Mixed Open, Masters and Veteran teams
- Open (16-39 years of age)
- Masters (40-49 years of age)
- Grand Masters (50-64 years of age)
- Veteran (65+)
The Adult Team category is determined by the age of the youngest Adult on your team.
Having a Junior (10 – 15 year old) on your team will not impact your team category.
Where can I find the results?
Results will be posted to www.pgiceman.ca/resources/results/
What happens if I accidentally left some of my gear on the course?
Our volunteers will bring any gear found at the transition areas to the Civic Centre for you to pick-up at the banquet. However, we cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items. Any gear not claimed after the completion of the banquet will be placed in the lost and found at Otway.
