By Ronald Quaroni

Sled Dogs

Iconic race set to begin at Elk Ridge

Feb 18, 2019 | 8:00 AM

Sled dog racers from across the country are preparing for the running of the 22nd Annual Canadian Challenge.

The race follows an iconic route. Beginning at Elk Ridge Resort, riders and dogs will follow trails that were once logging and fur routes.

Dog sledders who are running the full 334 mile race will go all the way up to Grandmothers Bay down to Stanley Mission and loop back to finish in La Ronge.

Stefaan DeMarie, President of the Gateway North Sled Dog Association, one of the organizers with the challenge, said weather has helped course conditions.

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“So I think in general the trail is in good shape and hopefully with some nice weather without too much wind,” DeMarie said.

Rider and dog safety is a chief concern for the organizers. DeMarie said they are happy to have partnered with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for dog checkups pre-race and ongoing attention at different checkpoints during.

He also added that riders are also looked after in the case of an emergency.

“There’s always our help button and the S-O-S if it needs to be (used). We have the Rangers up north on snow machines at different spots so I think safety wise, we’re doing good,” DeMarie said.

For some riders the Canadian Challenge acts as testing ground and qualifier for bigger races like the Yukon Quest and Iditarod. DeMarie explained that those riders hoping to qualify will have unique challenges in handling their teams, to prove they can look after their dogs for extended periods of time without external help.

There are a number of Saskatchewan communities represented in the challenge such as, Unity, Porcupine Plain, Pierceland, Hillmond and La Ronge.

DeMarie encouraged the public to come out, cheer, and meet all the mushers before they begin their journey. The race will start at Noon on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at Elk Ridge resort.

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ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni