One of the Canadian Challenge competitor’s sled dogs. Photo courtesy Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race, Facebook.
A warm winter is wreaking havoc for the Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race – the event has been cancelled this year due to poor trail conditions.
“In the interests of the safety of dogs, mushers and officials, it was the only prudent thing to do,” said Gill Gracie, president of the Gateway North Sled Dog Race Association, in a press release.
“Safety always comes first for the Challenge, and we are not prepared to unnecessarily put mushers and dogs at risk in difficult conditions.”
Organizers say the snow pack is minimal and bare in areas. Officials with the race also say the trail is not expected to get better with little or no snow in the upcoming forecast.
“Even if we had a good blizzard in the next few days, we no longer have time to put in and properly mark the 520-km trail,” said vice president and trail boss Allan Sheremata in a press release. “Normally we have at least half the trail marked by this time of year, but conditions have prevented this. Volunteer trail crews can only work on weekends, and there are only three weekends left.”
2016 would have been the 20th anniversary of the race, which was slated to start on February 23rd in Prince Albert.