The Crutwell sled races kicked off with the single dog races Saturday. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Off and running

Crutwell sled dog race family affair for some

Jan 4, 2020 | 5:29 PM

A longtime tradition continues in Crutwell this weekend.

The community’s annual dog sled races kicked off early Saturday afternoon, starting with single dog races with younger mushers. At noon, some of the older mushers took to the course as the six-dog races got underway.

A musher readies his sled for the six dog race. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

Cliff Smith, who has been racing dogs for just over 50 years, has been coming to Crutwell to compete for over three decades.

“We used to race here a couple times a year, but now we’re down to once a year,” he said.

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Smith said since he started racing, the number of people who take part in the sport has dropped. When he began competing, the Central Mushers Club, which Smith is a member of, had between 25 and 30 members. Currently, he estimates there are only around five members.

The veteran musher explained there are a number of things that have kept him going in the sport over the years. These include being in the outdoors, along with being part of the dog sledding community.

“I enjoy working with the animals, with the dogs. Also, you make friends through the years,” he said.

As the number of people participating in the sport has dropped off, the number of races has also declined. However, there are still communities that host races on a regular basis. Smith said he travels to Meadow Lake, Loon Lake, Cumberland House and even as far as The Pas, Man. for events.

Dog sled racing is also a family affair for Smith. Generally, he travels to about six or seven races during the season and is joined by his wife. On Saturday in Crutwell, the longtime musher was also joined by his grandchildren.

One of Smith’s grandchildren, Caitlin Smith, said racing has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. She explained her grandfather got her and her cousin involved early in their lives.

“From the time that we could stand, I remember him getting us on the sled and going around his yard,” she said.

Growing up, Caitlin joined her grandparents traveling to races and competed herself. When she left home to go to university, she was no longer able to go with her grandparents to races. Now that she is finished her education, she is looking forward to being part of it again.

Along with spending time with relatives, Caitlin added the sport is also an important part of the family’s background.

“We are Mètis, we have aboriginal heritage, so its also sentimental in that way too,” she said.

In terms of what it takes to be a good musher, Caitlin said people need to have a love for animals and people in order to be successful. She added perseverance is another important trait for dog sled racers to have.

“The other day my grandpa, who is in … his late 60s had to walk four miles, because his dogs left him, that would probably be enough to make someone say I am done,” she said.

Caitlin Smith harnessing up dogs to race. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn