A three-day, 240-kilometre dog race is descending on Yellowknife this weekend, in a tradition stretching back almost 65 years.
Dog teams from across North America are participating in the Canadian Championship Dog Derby where participants can work towards World Cup status. Due to ice conditions, organizers say the 10-dog race will be done in three segments of 40 to 45 miles.
The trail has also changed this year, allowing spectators to view the race along the Dettah ice road. Organizers are inviting residents to come cheer on the teams.
The Department of Infrastructure is warning the races will cause delays on the Dettah ice road each afternoon, at the hours of 1:45 and 3:00 p.m.
From Friday, March 29 until Sunday, March 31, delays are expected on the #Detah ice road at approximately 1:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., due to the Canadian Championship Dog Derby.
— GNWT/GTNO Infrastructure (@GNWT_INF) March 27, 2019
There are also six additional races meant to encourage young mushers to get experience with the sport. “Several races are designed for youth who are looking to build their experience, while others give an option for kennels to enter shorter distance competitions,” organizers say.
A musher’s meeting and registration for the 4, 6 and 10-dog races is taking place Thursday, March 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the After 8 Pub.
RACE SCHEDULE:
DAY 1 – FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019
9:30 am: 4-Dog Race
Sponsor: NorthTech Drilling
Timed Start / 8 miles
10:30 am: 6-Dog Race
Sponsor: Yellowknife Veterinary Clinic
Mass Start / 16 miles / Day 1 of 2
1:00 pm: 10-Dog Race
Sponsor: Dominion Diamond Mines
Mass Start / 50 miles / Day 1 of 3
DAY 2 – SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2019
9:30 am: 4-Dog Race
Sponsor: NorthTech Drilling
Timed Start / 8 miles
10:30 am: 6-Dog Race
Sponsor: Yellowknife Veterinary Clinic
Mass Start / 16 miles / Day 2 of 2
1:00 pm: 10-Dog Race
Sponsor: Dominion Diamond Mines
Mass Start / 50 miles / Day 2 of 3
DAY 3 – SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019
9:30 am: 5-Dog Mad Trapper Race
Teams must have at least one female musher and an amateur
Sponsor: Weaver & Devore
Mass Start / 8 miles
10:30 am: 2-Dog Race, Ava Lizotte Memorial Race
Open to children aged 5 to 12 years old, we will supply you with a team to race
Sponsor: Stewart, Weir, MacDonald Ltd.
11:00 am: Sponsors/Media Race
Sponsor: Canadian Championship Dog Derby Mushers
Timed Start / 8 miles
1:00 pm: 10-Dog Race
Sponsor: Dominion Diamond Mines
Mass Start / 50 miles / Day 3 of 3
