The Vasa Race is a cross country skiing race that started over 500 years ago. It started when Gustav Vasa had to retreat from the Danish king but when the locals had a change of heart, they sent their two fastest skiers to catch up with him. When the skiers found Gustav Vasa, they convinced him to return to Sweden. Gustav Vasa was later named king of Sweden.Today the Vasa Race consists of over 15,000 participants who have to go on a grueling 90 kilometer course. The event is seven days long and consists of seven different events. Besides the competitors, there are more than 50,000 people who go to watch the race. Most of these people are from either Sweden or Scandinavia. However, around 4,500 of the competitors are from around 35 different countries.
~Brad
