A mass start in the 10-dog race on Tuesday will be a sight to be seen. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

winter sports

Canadian Challenge starting in La Ronge next week

Feb 13, 2026 | 3:41 PM

Only a few days remain before the start of the Canadian Challenge Dog Sled Race.  

“Things are looking great,” said Vice-President Dan Kirkup. 

“We have been busy working on the trail and getting volunteers signed up. It all seems to be coming together here at the end.” 

Veterinarian checks begin Monday at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre, before the start of the 10-dog, 322-kilometer race on Tuesday at 10 a.m. on the ice in front of at La Ronge’s Riese Park. Unlike previous years where dog teams left in two-minute intervals, this year all 11 registered teams will start at the exact same time. 

“It makes for a little bit more exciting start. It’s a little bit more common in the sprint race world where they have that,” Kirkup explained. 

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Meanwhile, the six-dog, 113-km race will begin 11 a.m. in Weyakwin on Wednesday and come to an end some time on Thursday in La Ronge. Thursday should also be an exciting day for fans as the six-dog teams, which includes La Ronge’s Derek Konga, will complete a second start as teams from the 10-dog race begin crossing the finish line at Riese Park.  

With temperatures next week expected hover around the mid to high minus teens with some snow in the forecast, Kirkup noted the weather is better than what’s been the case in previous years. 

“It’s pretty close to ideal temperature for the dogs and that’s usually a good thing for the humans,” he added.  

“It will be nice if it’s not -30 C. It seems like that’s how it’s been every year I have been involved. This is my fifth year. It will be easier to get people out and we will see some more fans out, which will be awesome.” 

If anyone is interested in volunteering for the Canadian Challenge, they can do so on the race’s website by clicking the volunteer icon. There, people will find a schedule of openings and can choose whichever time and place they wish to help out.     

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com