The Canadian Challenge Dog Sled Race is a much-loved annual event in the tri-communities. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

premiere race

Recent snowfall creates good conditions for upcoming Canadian Challenge

Feb 12, 2024 | 2:30 PM

The Canadian Challenge Dog Sled Race will go ahead as planned next week after a recent snowfall in Northern Saskatchewan.

“Things are looking great. That snowfall we had up in La Ronge and farther North really helped. We have a nice solid trail in that we are going to be able to run safely,” said Canadian Challenge President Dan Kirkup.

With registration now closed, he explained there was an excellent response by mushers with 28 set to compete in one of three races. That includes the 10-dog, 328-kilometre race starting in Missinipe and ending in La Ronge, the eight-dog, 164-km race from La Ronge to Missinipe, and the six-dog, 80-km race, also between La Ronge and Missinipe.

Kirkup noted the strong response in registration has to do with several cancelled races in Canada and the United States due to a lack of snow. He added that bodes well for future races.

“It’s really great for us because we have people who wouldn’t normally come get to come and see it,” Kirkup said.

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“Even if they chose not to come back in future years, we believe if they have a good time here, they will tell other people and that word of mouth really benefits us.”

Work on the trails have been ongoing since January with northern sections being widened in recent weeks. The 10-dog race will start Feb. 20 at noon in Missinipe, while the eight-dog race will begin Feb. 22 at noon in La Ronge and the six-dog race will start Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. in La Ronge.

Those interested in volunteering can register online at the Canadian Challenge website. Residents are also invited to La Ronge’s Riese Park throughout the week to see the teams come and go.

In specific, the public is invited to Riese Park to create aerosol chalk and stencil images on Feb. 22 at 11:30 a.m. Artist Annalisa Heppner will be at the site to assist participants and all supplies are included and free of charge.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com