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Sled dog race celebrating 20th anniversary

Plans to host the 20th Anniversary Cariboo Challenge Jack Gawthorn Memorial Sled Dog Race at the 108 Heritage Site are well underway

Plans to host the 20th Anniversary Cariboo Challenge Jack Gawthorn Memorial Sled Dog Race at the 108 Heritage Site are well underway and it’s promising to be a banner event.

This year, it takes place from Jan. 13-15 and could involve as many as 45 dog teams.

The race offers a $6,000 prize purse for the winning mushers and their teams in the four-, six- and 10-dog events.

Along with team racing on the breathtakingly beautiful Heritage Site venue, there will be events for the general public, such as the crowd favourite, weight pull where a pet dog of any size or breed can be entered. There will be different size classes with many prizes to be given away.

Anybody can also enter themselves and their dog in the skijoring race. A special harness is required, but there may be some available to borrow at the event. Participants must also have a pair of cross-country skis.

In team racing, mushers will steer their dogs along a course that hugs the shores of 108 and Sepa Lakes and also involves the green belt area and nearby golf course, giving spectators fantastic viewing opportunities.

The race is sanctioned by the International Sled Dog Race Association and Len Doucette, one of the key organizers, says it’s subject to very extensive best-practices rules. Participants will be striving to collect circuit points, so competition is expected to be strong.

Between races, spectators can enjoy the warmth of a huge bonfire or visit with the mushers and their dogs. There will be a silent auction going on and the 100 Mile & District Historical Society  will be serving hotdogs and chili at their concession stand.

On Jan. 14, everyone is invited to the Musher’s Dinner and Auction at The Hills Health Ranch. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 6:30 p.m. Doucette says it’s usually a sellout, with tickets priced at $24 and half price for children 12 years and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance at The Hills. Special to the auction this year is a queen-sized bed frame crafted by local musher Craig Conklin, which features sled dogs in its design.

Major sponsors for this year’s $6,000 prize purse are Central GM, the Cariboo Regional District and Easygo Ranch.

Any money raised above that amount will be donated to the 100 Mile & District Historical Society to specifically be spent on improvements to the 108 Heritage Site.

For more information about the Cariboo Challenge, visit its website at www.cariboochallengesled dograce.com, or call Doucette at The Hills at 250-791-5255.

People can also call him if they wish to volunteer at the event.

– Arlene Jongbloets - 100 Mile House Free Press