There are a slew of fun and exciting events for the whole family this weekend at the 2010 GCI Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race. Plans include a mad dash with dogs and skis, a snowshoe race, and the Alaska Trappers Auction. Not to mention lots of race excitement with the main event, 16 teams vying for the title of fastest sled dog team in the world!
Check back on this page for updates to events and activities throughout the weekend.
Due to weather and trail conditions, the race has been moved this year to the Jeff Studdert Racegrounds and Mushers Hall on Farmers Loop Road in Fairbanks. To accommodate the crowds on Saturday and Sunday, additional spectator parking will be at Pioneer Park for the weekend, with shuttles running to the Ice Park and Mushers Hall between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Catch all the Fairbanks Winter Carnival fun!
Here is a list of weekend events, and some helpful tips for spectators:
Friday, March 19
1:00 p.m.—Start time for the first heat of the GCI Open North American race.
Saturday, March 20
12:00 noon—Le Mons Start skijor race, where the skijorers have their skis in the middle of the field, while they stand 50 feet away with their dogs. The musher and dog sprint to their skis, put them on, and ski a mile around the field. Very entertaining—come out to watch and take pictures!
1:00 p.m.—Start time for the second heat of the GCI Open North American race.
Sunday, March 21
12:00 noon—The inaugural Alaska Snowshoe Sprint Championships, at the Mushers Hall. No entry fee, and extra snowshoes will be available. Come try it out! For more information, contact Amanda Byrd at 458-7173 or visit www.LathropRunning.com.
1:00 p.m. Start time for the final heat of the GCI Open North American race.
6:00 p.m.—North American Championships Banquet, Westmark Hotel Gold Room. Tickets are only $40, available at the Mushers Hall during the race, and at the door (if not sold out). Seating is limited, buy early!
Monday, March 22
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.—Meet The Open North American Champion at the GCI Store, 510 Merhar Ave., (next to Chili’s). Autograph signing, pet the lead dog, check out the equipment, door prize drawings, and more.
FAQs for making the most of your 2010 Open North American experience
Q: Where do I park to watch the start and finish of the race?
A: The start and finish of the race is at the Mushers Hall all three days. On Friday, get there early for limited parking at the Mushers Hall on Farmers Loop Road. Parking at the hall is free. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be additional free parking at Pioneer Park on Airport Way, with regular free shuttles starting at 11 a.m. between Pioneer Park, the Ice Park, and the Mushers Hall.
Q: Where else can I watch the race?
A: Creamers Field on College Road (near the Department of Fish and Game building), and the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds Red Gate Road parking lot. Bring your radios to keeps tabs on teams as they come and go!
Q: What time does the race action finish each day?
A: On Friday and Saturday, the last teams should finish around 2:30 p.m. On Sunday, the teams go farther, so the racing wraps up closer to 3 p.m. These times are approximate, and vary depending on the number of teams entered, the condition of the trails, and how the teams perform each day.
Q: Is there live radio coverage of the race?
A: Yes! Even if you’re coming to watch in person, there’s live coverage of action out on the trail which you can listen to on your portable radio. Just tune in to KFAR, 660 AM, or streaming on the Internet at KFAR 660 AM.
Q: Do I need to eat lunch before coming down to watch the race?
A: Nope! River City Cafe and Espresso, and the Caribou Grill will be at the Mushers Hall with fabulous lunch and snack options during the race.
Q: Would my dog like to come watch his more athletic cousins blasting down the trail?
A: No, he would much prefer spending the afternoon on your couch in comfort, listening on the radio. Seeing those canine athletes up close would just make him feel inferior. But seriously, loose or leashed dogs are a distraction to the dog teams and mushers, so please leave them at home or in the car (safely).