Finishing a race requires the development of pacing skills and timing to allow the snowshoer the opportunity to maintain or even increase speed just before the finish line. Snowshoers who effectively use finishing skills can improve their final positions relative to other athletes who do not have the endurance or energy to apply the final "kick" to the finish line. In very close finishes, the snowshoer who applies the finishing lean may improve his or her final position. The snowshoer whose torso crosses the finish line first is scored higher.
The snowshoer should have a good understanding of pace and passing skills, as both will be required.
The snowshoer needs to judge the maximum distance to the athlete(s) ahead and the distance required to catch and pass the athlete(s). Sufficient distance to the finish line should be given for any challenges to the passing maneuver by the opposing snowshoer.
An allowance of a few meters for these challenges is usually sufficient. Risk of the snowshoer regaining the position increases if the finishing kick and pass are completed too early.
Sprinting events require the snowshoer to maintain speed and lean into the finish line with the torso as required in close competition. The athlete should be able to lean forward just enough to gain the advantage but not so far forward as to lose balance and fall forward or lose forward speed.
Distance events require the snowshoer to use an adequate race pace to maintain an acceptable recovery distance from the leading athlete.
