it band is a short form for iliotibial band, it goes from the top of your leg all the way down the side of your knee. some stretches here..
http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=6099 It's useful even if it doesn't fix this current problem at least. Mine was solid as a rock after my first marathon (which i did little reading before) I was positive it was a knee injury at the time but a little breaking up of the scar tissue did the trick.. Landing midfoot absorbs shock and forces your legs to act more like a spring so between that and good shoes it helps with any pavement pounding that may be bothering your knee.
I took a quick look at that race you are training for.. damn.. that doesn't sound easy.. definitely want to pick up your legs a bit in that soft shit anyway hehe
I'm dying to try this one at least once anyway
http://www.theyeti.ca/ not sure how i would fair in snowshoes though.. hehe