The Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race in northern Saskatchewan is just around the corner, with things slated to kick off February 20 in Prince Albert.
It’s Stefaan De Marie’s first year serving as race president. He takes over for Gill Gracie, who announced her departure following the 20th edition of the event last year.
De Marie says a major challenge this year has been the loss of a significant sponsor, but he says others have stepped up to the table.
“Fortunately, you know, a lot of companies that deal with dog food or mushing food came on board this year too,” said De Marie. “We are very fortunate that we have a company that – Baldwin Feeds out of Manitoba is pretty much sponsoring the eight-dog challenge.”
De Marie estimates the cost to put on the Canadian Challenge is roughly $50,000 each year.
The race usually begins in Prince Albert, but due to warm weather, things had to start at Elk Ridge Resort in 2017.
De Marie admits, the cooler weather over the holidays will help this time around.
“Everything freezes up, especially the muskegs we travel over,” said De Marie. “You never know how Mother Nature works. It can be 30 below, and all of a sudden, you get a bunch of overflow. That’s just part of any dog race, you know, you just have to deal with things at that time.”
This year’s event will feature a 12-dog race, eight-dog race and an open race.
The Canadian Challenge can be used as a qualifying race for the Iditarod and Yukon Challenge.
(PHOTO: Aaron Peck holds one of his dogs after last year’s event. Photo by Braden Malsbury.)