Martha Rockwell of Poultney, VT, captured her sixth race in six nights and Odd Martinsen of Nitedal, Norway, the world’s top male racer, was first in the men’s division of the first annual Glens Falls Invitational 10-Kilometer Cross Country Ski Race at Crandall Park before 1,300 spectators last night.

     Lone local entry in the men’s division, Rodney Francett, a Queensbury High School Senior placed 18th in the 21-man field.

     Miss Rockwell, completing a sweep of all six races on the International Night Race Circuit Tour, covered the women’s four-kilometer course (two laps) in 16:05.77, while Martinsen went over the men’s 10-kilometer distance (five laps) in a time of 34:23.33.

     Trina Hosmer of Seattle, Wash., and Helen Sander of Ottawa, Canada, followed Miss Rockwell across the finish line in the women’s race with clockings of 16:31.57 and 17:20.02, respectively.

     Martinsen led the Norwegian National Ski Team to a sweep of the first three positions in the men’s division. Teammates Erik Roesbak of Hedemark, Norway, and Bjornanvmer Arvnes of Beardrum, Norway, were second and third in the times of 34:54.64 and 35:08.69.

 

Bob Grey Fourth

     United States skiers, Bob Grey, Putney, Vt.; Mike Gallagher, Killington, Vt., and Joe McNulty, Evanston, Ill., captured the next three spots in the men’s race. Grey was clocked in 35:49.41, Gallagher in 35:54.42 and McNulty in 36:40.62.

     Francett, recently named to the Eastern Nordic Junior Ski Team, captured the 18th spot in the men’s division with a time of 42:51.33.

     Mayor Robert J. Cronin officiated at inaugural ceremonies for the lighted Glens Falls Municipal Ski Trail, and the mayor noted that the trails are the only ones of their kind in North America.

      “It is particularly satisfying to welcome our visitors from Europe,” said Mayor Cronin.

     Thomas Upham, varsity ski coach at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H., served as race announcer.

 

Miss Beyerbach Led Way

     Barbara Beyerbach, another Queensbury High School Senior, was a forerunner in the women’s division.

     All participants were served refreshments, furnished by the Queensbury Hotel, in the YMCA at the conclusion of the races.

     A reception for all contestants followed at the Esquire Restaurant at which time trophies and awards were presented.

     Don A. Metivier and Thomas Jacobs were co-chairmen of the race committee.

     Last night’s races brought to a close the International Night Race Circuit Tour that started in Hartford, Conn. last Tuesday.