Canadian Challenge 2022 attracts more mushers than anticipated

Dec 10, 2021 | 5:00 PM

The main event for the 2022 Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race is officially full.

That’s according to Canadian Challenge president Anna Bolvin, who explained organizers weren’t expecting mushers to take all 20 spots. She said even though they are excited about the large number of participants, it will put some pressure on logistics.

“We had to talk to the Town of La Ronge to make sure we have enough parking for all of the trucks,” Bolvin said. “Then, there’s the food situation and port-a-potties and all of the things we haven’t had to worry too much about other years.”

Two out of three of the races will start in La Ronge and Missinipe instead of entirely out of Elk Ridge as in previous years. The longest 10-dog, 200-mile race will still start in Elk Ridge at noon on Feb. 22, while the eight-dog, 100-mile race is scheduled to start in La Ronge on Feb. 24 and the six-dog, 50-mile race will begin Feb. 25 in Missinipe.

With the smaller races also nearly full, Bolvin noted more volunteers will be needed at checkpoints. For those interested in helping out, there is a link on the Canadian Challenge website where people can choose a time-slot and checkpoint they’d like to volunteer.

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Mushers will be coming from across Canada, as well as the United States and there’s one entry as far away as Argentina. Bolvin added the board is currently working to determine what policies should be in place in case COVID-19 restrictions affect mushers or the races.

“We’re going to have a good look at what the provincial regulations are and work around that,” she said. “Mostly everything is taking place outside in the fresh air. We do have a breakfast awards on the Saturday and we need to have a very good look at what we can do there to keep everyone safe and within the provincial regulations.”

The total purse for the races sits at $25,000 and Bolvin mentioned there are no concerns about lack of snow like in previous years. She’s hopeful there will be good snow cover on Lac La Ronge as much of the races will be held on the frozen lake.

The 2021 Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race was cancelled due to COVID-19.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno

by Derek Cornet

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Canadian Challenge 2022 attracts more mushers than anticipated

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