PR Sled Dog Race canceled
A team in the four-dog sprint class heads out from the starting line during a past Priest Lake Sled Dog Race.
PRIEST LAKE — After careful consideration, the Priest Lake Sled Dog Race has been canceled due to weather conditions, according to Inland Empire Sled Dog Race trail boss Zach Wolf.
“As of this time, after a hard look at trail conditions, as well as the forecasted weather outlook, the IESDA has decided to cancel the Priest Lake Sled Dog Races,” Wolf said.
The decision to cancel the races this year was tough, he said, as this is only the third year the organization has had to cancel the race in its 53-year history. Wolf said snow conditions have created unsure footing in most of the Priest Lake area, causing concerns for bystander safety as well as sled dog team safety.
“... Trail conditions are super punchy and soft,” he said. “Safety of our canine athletes is a major concern.”
Wolf said that the Priest Lake races are not the only sled dog race that has had to cancel its event in the Inland Empire due to uncertain winter weather patterns in the past few months. After hoping the rain would stop and snow would once again return, but not seeing any in the forecast, staff decided that putting the event off until next year was the best course of action.
“We were hoping for a change in weather, but it does not look like it will be favorable for us this year,” Wolf said. “We wish to thank all of our entries and sponsors that stepped up this year to help us in trying to make this race a success."