By paNOW Staff

Canadian Challenge challenged by lack of snow

Feb 20, 2017 | 8:00 AM

For the second year running, changes are coming to the Canadian Challenge sled dog race due to a lack of snow.

According to race organizer Gill Gracie, the race will no longer start in Prince Albert and will instead begin in Elk Ridge, which was originally planned to be the second checkpoint.

“South of that,” Gracie said in a written release, “the snow has given way to mud and gravel for a good portion of the trail, and it is not feasible to run it.”

The changes, Gracie said, will shorten the 12- and 8-dog races to 270 miles and 135 miles respectively. Gracie said race organizers have been in contact with the Yukon Quest and Iditarod to determine whether the shorter distance will still be accepted as a qualifying race. If the shorter distances do not qualify the mushers, Gracie said they will try to add more distance only for teams looking to qualify.

“We understand that some mushers may prefer not to race under these circumstances, and we will be happy to refund their entry fee if they choose not to,” Gracie said.

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Gracie said there will still be plenty of fun to be had at the race, and noted further updates will be provided as the race draws nearer.

The Canadian Challenge starts 5 p.m. Feb. 21 at Elk Ridge Resort.

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