By Derek Cornet

Canadian Challenge mushers reach Stanley Mission checkpoint

Feb 22, 2018 | 4:00 PM

The seven mushers remaining in the Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race have passed the La Ronge checkpoint and are making their way through the Northern Loop.

Gerry Walker of Pierceland had a considerable lead today in the 12-dog race, reaching the Stanley Mission checkpoint just after 10 a.m., about three hours ahead of his competition. By 3:30 p.m., however, he was joined by Jennifer Campeau, Lisa Joinson and Christina Traverse and they all took a much-needed break before heading to Grandmother’s Bay.

“It really is anyone’s race and a lot can happen,” Canadian Challenge board member Jim Williams said. “Although Gerry is up in front, he will determine which rest periods are better for him and his dogs, while those who have already rested for a period of time will be able to push on through when Gerry can’t.”

Williams also noted weather conditions could prove difficult for mushers. Even though the temperature has warmed considerably since the gruelling race began two days ago, he said the wind has picked up and has begun blowing snow over the trail. Wind will be hardest on mushers when they make their way over the lakes, he said, because there is no natural cover to protect them from the elements.

There’s a lot of prize money at stake for the teams, as the winner of the 12-dog race will be awarded $5,500. Williams said an additional $1,000 is up for grabs to the musher who travels from Grandmother’s Bay to Stanley Mission the fastest. The overall race from Elk Ridge, to Grandmother’s Bay, to La Ronge coveres 500 km. 

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“The last musher will blow out the flame on the lantern,” Williams said, “which is traditional through all races.”

That final musher could be Josh Lichti, who was the last competitor to arrive at the La Ronge checkpoint at about 12:40 p.m. He said he’s isn’t thinking about his competition in the race anymore, and he’s just trying to make sure he and his dogs are happy on the trail.

“My dogs are chugging along,” Lichti said. “For the most part, it’s pretty good.”

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter:@saskjourno