Thousands of skaters from across the world are descending upon Montreal this weekend for the annual 24 Hours Roller Montreal.

The event will be under way on Saturday at 2pm and concludes 24-hours later on Sunday at 2pm. Teams ranging from 1 to 10 skaters will relay throughout the day and night while completing laps around Montreal’s smooth and scenic Gilles Villeneuve Circuit.

The event will being together skaters from all the great disciplines of speed skating; long track, short track, and roller. Skaters expected to lace up for the event include 2010 Olympic medalists in short track & long track speed skating; Olivier Jean (Canada), Travis Jayner (USA), and Mathieu Giroux (Canada) as well addition past Olympic medalists.

With a village featuring food, vendors, music, fun, and a beautiful view of the late-night fireworks, the 2010 event is expected to be a really fun one for all and a continued boost for skating.

• Event’s website
• Un petit coup de patin pour une grande cause

Hundreds gather to skate the final celebration lap soon after the conclusion of 2009’s 24-hour event