Warren Palfrey wins Canadian Challenge 12-dog event
Warren Palfrey and all 12 of his dog braved the cold winter air, and turned the final bend before crossing the finish line to win the 12 dog event of the Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race.
Palfrey was the first musher to reach Elk Ridge, making it to the finish line at about 5:15 a.m. on Friday. Ending his successful race in the dark, he had a near eight-hour lead on the next competitor in line to finish, his son, Sam, followed by Jason Campeau of Alberta.
This is Palfrey’s first Canadian Challenge win. The Quesnel, B.C. musher has been involved in the sport for 28 years, and has taken part in the sport’s marquee event, the Iditarod.
He was pleased with his 12-dog event victory on Friday. This year, he wanted to come back to compete and ideally try to win, he said. He withdrew during last year’s race due to illness.