By paNOW Staff

All you need to know about the Canadian Challenge

Feb 25, 2015 | 12:16 PM

The Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race kicked off in downtown Prince Albert at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

The title “challenge” proved to be true for many racers within the first 24 hours. Several mushers were dragged by their sleds after a tough start and past race champion Stefaan De Marie and Kyle Job scratched in the 12-dog race. Laquasha LaViolette was withdrawn from the race.

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Two racers – Christina Traverse and Anna Knudsen – scratched by mid-morning on Wednesday.

12-dog race

On Friday morning, Rick Wannamaker (Didsbury, Alta.) won the race, with Gerry Walker (Pierceland, Sask.) in second, Laura Neese (Michigan, USA) in third. Randy MacKenzie (Fort McMurray, Alta.) later finished in fourth place  and Jillian Lawton (Rocky Mountain House, Alta.) in fifth. 

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8-dog race

Earl Stobbe (Christopher Lake) won the race and Sid Robinson (La Ronge) came in second.

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The Canadian Challenge organizers have a very active Facebook page, which you can check out here.

For in-depth stories on the racers and the race kick-off, check out these stories:

VIDEO: 500-km race a ‘magic carpet ride’ for winner

Determined teen stays strong after withdraw from Canadian Challenge

One man hit by sled during Canadian Challenge

PHOTOS: Young competitor in Canadian Challenge 12-dog race wants to ‘mush forever’

Local musher returns to the Canadian Challenge

Finally, paNOW has a photo gallery of the Canadian Challenge competitors leaving the city on Wednesday here.

news@panow.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow