Ragnar Robinson first competed in the Canadian Challenge in 2022. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

sled dogs

Robinson among mushers competing in 2023 Canadian Challenge

Feb 1, 2023 | 1:53 PM

There’s only three weeks left until the start of the Canadian Challenge Dog Sled Race.

“Things seem to be falling into place as we expected and we are finalizing some last-minute details and some travel arrangements,” Canadian Challenge president Dan Kirkup said. “I think we are in pretty good shape to have wonderful and organized race.”

While registration remain opens for another six days, so far 15 teams have signed up. The 2023 10-dog race includes 2022 winner Jesse Terry, La Ronge’s Ragnar Robinson, Maxime Berthou-Queau, Garrick Schmidt, Rhonda Herrschap, Mary England, Jillian Lawton, Christina Gibson and Leon Church.

The eight-dog race consists of Aidan Torres and Kevin Lewis while the six-dog includes Jesika Reimer, Monroe Mondor, Marcel Marin and Trevor Kequahtooway.

“I think that’s roughly where we are going to end up,” Kirkup said about registrations. “We may have one or two more that show up… and we may have some teams adjust a race they are in.”

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The 10-dog race will begin Feb. 21 at Elk Ridge Resort, while the eight-dog race starts at Highway 969 Wilderness Camp and the six-dog race begins in La Ronge. Every race this year will end in Missinipe.

Kirkup explained progress continues to be made by Canadian Rangers on the trail. He noted work has been done all the way to the north end of Lac La Ronge. It’s anticipated the trail will be in good shape for the races with hard packed snow and no overflow or slush.

Kirkup mentioned the Canadian Challenge still needs volunteers, particularly in La Ronge. He said there are openings on Feb. 22, 23 and the morning hours of Feb. 24. Those interested can sign up on the Canadian Challenge website and choose when they’d like to assist.

“It’s open to the public if [anyone] wants to come out and see some dogs or talk to some mushers, they are certainly welcome to do that,” Kirkup said. “They can also follow along on our website. We will have the GPS trackers going, so they will be able to see where all the mushers are on the trail in real time.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno