The Sofie Manarin Nickel Loppet, the first event in the Sudbury Fitness Challenge, took place at the Laurentian Ski Trails on Sunday..

The Nickel Loppet was introduced in 1983 by Terry McKinty, grandson of Bill Beaton, the former mayor of Sudbury.

In the past, five Canadian Champions have taken part in the Nickel Loppet, including the late Sofie Manarin.

The Nickel Loppet is now named after Manarin, who lost her life in a bike accident in 2001.

"The Laurentian Nordic Ski Club remembers Sofie as a Jackrabbit skier and later a champion. She was a fireball ... a dedicated athlete who was headed for the Olympics," said Perry Sakki, Laurentian Nordic Ski Club president.