Annual sled dog races set at the lake

Forget horse power. It’s got nothing on the pure power of sled dogs.

You have the chance to see these four-legged athletes and their drivers at the upcoming Priest Lake Sled Dog Race, sponsored by Hiulls Resort and Elkins Resort, on Feb. 2-3. Teams as large as eight dogs and as small as one dog will compete in this fun and competitive event. The event is free to spectators and registration is required to compete.

A drivers meeting will ge held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning on Feb. 2, with races beginning around 9:30 a.m. and continuing through the early afternoon. Sunday’s drivers meeting will be at 8 a.m. on Feb. 3 with races beginning by 9 a.m. and continuing through the afternoon.

Race categories include:

- Sprint: eight-dog Sprint (9 miles), six-dog sprint (5.7 miles), four-dog sprint (4.7 miles), three-dog sprint (4.7 miles), novice sprint (2.4 miles)

- Skijor: skijoring (4.7 miles), novice skijoring (2.4 miles)

- Distance: eight-dog mid (20 miles), six-dog mid (20 miles), other/teddy bear (1 mile), pee wee (Saturday only)

The sled dog races are held at the U.S. Forest Service airstrip in Priest Lake.

All classes except pee wee include a $10 refundable bib fee on return of bib.

Registered breed recognition is offered in each class with certificates for registered breed team placing first, second or third in each class.

Drivers can pick up their packets at the race site on Saturday, Feb. 2, before the drivers meeting. The drivers meetings are mandatory.

There will be no race day entries and entries must be received by Jan. 30. Also, there will be no class changes allowed after Jan. 30.

Volunteers are needed to help with spotting, even for one class, as well as with other positions. If you might be available to help, please contact Ann Yanecek at ayanecek2018@gmail.com

Pacific Tri State Alliance race rules to be followed. For a copy of the race rules go to cascadesleddogclub.com.

Information: Dan Hanks at 502dan@msn.com