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LAKE PLACID, ADIRONDACKS USA - From downhill backcountry skiing to the Ironman swim course, now amateur athletes at any level can compete in Lake Placid for free! A growing online community, Xoona.com, offers "racing for everyone" with self-timed races on courses developed by local experts.

Xoona has partnered with Placid Planet Bicycles to host Xoona racing in Lake Placid. The shop's owner, Kenny Boettger, has developed courses such as a local classic running loop around Mirror Lake. "Lake Placid has a long history of local and international competition - from the Olympics to Ironman to lacrosse," said Boettger. "It's the perfect pilot location for the project." The backdrop of the Lake Placid area has enabled Placid Planet to build over forty race courses in the area in all endurance sports.

"Xoona really opens racing to everyone," said Boettger. "It allows someone who would never dream of showing up at a traditional race the opportunity to challenge themselves in a timed event, and provides inspiration to stay in shape and try different human-powered endurance sports."

The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort has signed on as a sponsor. "This is a perfect vehicle for our guests to get out and explore the area" said owner Jenn Holderied. "From serious athletes to someone who just wants to try a race for the first time, visitors will be able to participate in the spirit of athletics that pervades Lake Placid."

Peter Fish, Xoona's creator, says that Lake Placid is the ideal location for Xoona. "The local community is active in all endurance sports, and thousands of visitors come to the region to train and race." He added that Xoona is also a vehicle for these athletes to give back to the community. There is a charitable component to the site where members can give to selected local causes. "Our mission is to provide inspiring and completely free racing for everyone, and to do good things," said Fish, "so we've integrated a link for participants to easily donate to local projects and non-profits." Using this link, Placid Planet hopes to help raise thousands of dollars for local causes.

The ultimate goal of the program is to develop a national network of hundreds of Hubs that will allow people to race while they're on business trips, on vacation and at home. "This program has the potential to drive members' travel decisions," said James McKenna, President of the Lake Placid CVB. "Xoona already has another hub in Burlington, VT, and as the network further evolves, it will provide an incentive to select Xoona Hubs as destinations."

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