International snowmobile race to pass through county

February will see an international snowmobile race pass through northwestern Swift County as participants near the end of a 500-mile trek that takes them from Winnipeg, Canada, to Willmar.
Racers in the 2015 Seven Clans I-500 will enter the U.S. at Pembina, ND, crossing into Minnesota in the far northwestern corner of the state near Humbolt. They then travel southeast toward Karlstad, Thief River Falls, and Bemidji. From Bemidji racers head south and a little west toward Alexandria.
From Alexandria they go by Lowry, Starbuck and Swift Falls, where there will be a fuel stop for racers as they head to the finish line in Willmar at Robins Island.
Northern Lights Trail Snowmobile Club President Brent Hill, of Benson, said that the local club will be working with the race organizers and racers to ensure their trek through Swift County goes well.
 “We will make the needed arrangements to protect the racers as well as the local riders or onlookers as they pass through our area."
Photo:  Recent I-500 races have been held near Thief River Falls, Minnesota.