Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race begins

“I think by mid-afternoon it will be perfect running weather for the dogs,” he said.

The 12 and eight-dog racers will cross a finish line in La Ronge, while those competing in the six-dog competition will make a loop and cross the line at the resort.

De Marie said this year the race has 13 competitors taking part. He added some people did have to drop out but was happy to see new faces.

Racers have come from all over the country including Alberta, Ontario, and as far as Montana.

Overall De Marie said he feels good about this year’s race. He said this is the fourth year the race has started at the resort and they are happy with the venue.

“I don’t think we can find a better place to start these days,” he said.

One of the Saskatchewan racers taking part was La Ronge’s Sid Robinson. Robinson said he was hoping to improve on his performance last year, when he didn’t finish.

“I don’t mind coming in last, I just want to get to the finish line,” he said.

Robinson said he wasn’t concerned about the cold conditions Tuesday afternoon. He added with temperatures expecting to drop he was prepared with boots and jackets for his dogs.

Because of the cold conditions the dogs wore boots to protect their paws. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

Anna Bolvin, who is competing in the eight-dog race said she felt a bit cold and nervous before taking off. She said preparing for the race means getting an early start to make sure the dogs are ready to go.

“You get up at 6 [a.m.] and make sure your dogs have a good drink and go to the bathroom and all of that,” she said.

Bolvin, who is from Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan, said colder temperatures can be better for the dogs, but when temperatures dip really low it can be uncomfortable for everyone.

(Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

Amanda Grant, who is from Unity, Saskatchewan, and is racing in the six-dog competition said she was happy to hear about the condition the trail was in this year.

“We’re used to running on really hard packed trails at home. These dogs don’t do well on deep snow, so I am glad to hear there’s not a lot of that,” she said.

Grant, who also competed last year, said the course is wide and well-marked. She added the event is deserving of its name.

“The Canadian Challenge is a good [name] even for the six-dog open, because it was a challenging for these guys,” she said.

A healthy crowd was on hand at Elk Ridge Tuesday to see the race kick off. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

—

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn

by Michael Joel-Hansen

Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race begins

What's Trending