Eight mushers have already confirmed their attendance. (submitted photo/Kandis Riese)

By Derek Cornet

sled dogs

Canadian Challenge organizers hoping for a successful 2020 race

Nov 5, 2019 | 11:44 AM

Organizers of the 23^rd annual Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race are busy preparing for the international event set to take place in February 2020.

“It’s a good sign the white stuff is already on the ground and temperatures are down, so the board is in full swing trying to find sponsors,” President Stefaan De Marie said. “I know a bunch of mushers are already committed to coming out here. I’m looking forward to another great year.”

Due to a successful summer of fundraising, organizers have already raised $25,600 in prize money. Planning for an online auction is also in the works and the board will be selling 30-minute DVDs of the 2019 race.

The Canadian Challenge, which is scheduled to run from Feb. 17 to 22, is the longest dog sled race in the country. The two longer races both begin in Elk Ridge with the eight-dog race finishing in La Ronge for a distance of 320 kilometers. The 12-dog race will continue through La Ronge and onward to Grandmother’s Bay and Stanley Mission, before heading back to La Ronge for a distance of 520 kilometers. So far, De Marie noted eight mushers have confirmed their attendance and he expects more to do so in the coming months.

“Some people are still seeing what they have in their yard for dogs and stuff, so there’s always people who enter a little bit later than usual,” he said. “The ones who are not coming are going to miss out on a nice purse.”

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De Marie was also happy to announce that for the 2020 race, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Rangers based in La Ronge, will again be involved in the Canadian Challenge. Vets with the college will ensure the safety of the dogs, while the Canadian Rangers will be responsible for clearing the trails.

Compared to other years, De Marie mentioned organizers are on par with previous races but are still looking for volunteers, especially for the La Ronge checkpoint. He added, if anyone is interested, there is also room on the board for more members. If anyone wants to volunteer or sit on the board, they should reach out to the race organizers.

The Canadian Challenge serves as a qualifier event for both the Yukon Quest and Iditarod races.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno