BUTTE - USA Triathlon has moved its 2012 Winter Triathlon National Championship from Vermont to Montana because of a lack of snow in the Northeast.

The the championship will be shifted to the Powder Hound Winter Triathlon on Jan. 29 at Homestake Lodge, southeast of Butte.

The race includes a 5-kilometer run, a 10-kilometer mountain bike ride and a 5-kilometer cross country ski course. It was originally slated for the Gunstock Winter Triathlon on Jan. 22 in Gilford, N.H.

Mandy and Chris Axelson, who operate the cross country ski area atop Homestake Pass, estimate about 100 people will be competing.

The top three competitors in each age group will qualify for Team USA for the 2012 ITU Winter Triathlon World Championships in Finland in March.

Running

WIND DRINKERS TO HOLD ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT: The Big Sky Wind Drinkers will hold their 25th annual New Year's Eve run starting at 11:15 p.m. on Dec. 31, starting at 2303 Highland Court and running to the clock at First Security Bank on Main Street. Runners are asked to bring a treat to share, returning to the start for refreshments. All are invited to participate.

For more information see the web site at www.winddrinkers.org.

Skiing

BOHART TO HOST NORDIC FEST IN JANUARY: Bohart Ranch Cross Country Ski Center will host the Montana Import Group Subaru Nordic Fest on Sunday, Jan. 8.

The event offers the community an opportunity to try Nordic skiing with free rentals and free lessons

Lessons begin at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Special kids lessons are being offered, as are free snowshoe rentals.

Reservations are required and sessions are limited. Call Bohart at 586-9070 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Jan. 2 to register, or visit www.bohartranchxcski.com for information.

Miscellany

MSU MEN LEAD ALL-SPORTS TROPHY STANDINGS: At Ogden, Utah, the Northern Colorado women and the Montana State men are leading the Big Sky Conference All-Sports Trophy standings after the 2011 fall seasons.

Montana State's men earned 30.5 points in the two fall sports for an average of 15.25 points per sport. Montana was second at 14.25, and Weber State was third at 12.50.

Montana State tied for first in football and finished third in men's cross country.

Northern Colorado women's sports finished the fall season with 40.5 points, for an average of 13.50 points per sport. Portland State was second with an average of 12.17, followed by Sacramento State at 8.67.

Points are determined based on team finishes in the regular-season standings for soccer, volleyball and football. Points are awarded based on finish at the Big Sky Championship in men's and women's cross country.

The overall leaders are Montana and Portland State with 52.5 total points between men's and women's fall sports. The overall totals will be used in calculations of the 2011-12 Big Sky Conference Presidents' Cup. The initial standings for the 2011-12 Presidents' Cup will be announced in January, once first-semester and first-quarter grades are submitted.

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