Annamaet Challenge Series
The five Annamaet Challenge Series races are run annually December through February at the Jeff Studdert Racegrounds in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Classes include 1-dog, 2-dog, and 3-dog skijoring; and 4-dog, 6-dog, 8-dog, and Open (unlimited) sled classes. Mid-distance races are held in conjunction with the first two races. The races get underway with skijoring at 10:30 a.m.
Sign Up and Draw
There will be a potluck/meeting/draw beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the Wednesday before each Challenge Series race. Payment for entries in person is by cash, check, or credit card. If you or a representative can not attend the meeting, you can phone in your entry between 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. on the Wednesday before a race, at (907) 457-MUSH. If you don't wish to pay by credit card over the phone, you can post-enter (with an additional fee) on race day.
You must buy or renew a general membership to race, and no entries will be accepted without an entry fee. Late entries will be accepted the day of the race, for an additional $5 fee. This fee is waived if the race is postponed (unless the postponement is announced before the sign up and draw).
Bonnie
Borba of Fairbanks, Alaska, winner of the 6-dog class at the Annamaet
Petfoods Challenge Series race #1, December 2003. Photo by Dave Partee.
Post-entry Deadlines
Skijoring: 10:00 a.m.
4-dog: 10:30 a.m.
6-dog and mid-distance: 11:00 a.m.
8-dog and open: 11:30 a.m.
Race Information
Competitors must be checked in at the bib table inside the Mushers Hall 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the class. Although race day entries in prior classes may push back the start time of your class, the check-in deadline is set prior to any race-day entries. The check-in times are announced at the race drawing. We try to post this information on the website and send out email announcements on the ADMA email list, but occasionally this doesn't happen. You are responsible for finding out your times by attending the draw, or contacting someone who attended.
All competitors must be familiar with the race rules and procedures. You can view and print a copy of the race rules and procedures on our website.
Temperature Cutoff
The temperature cutoff for Challenge Series races is –25°F or below, determined by the temperature reported on the airport weather line (458-3746 then press 1113) at 8:15 a.m. on race day. Championship races, unlike the Challenge Series, have no temperature minimums. If you're planning to travel to a race, you might consult the long-range (1 week) forecast from the National Weather Service (Middle Tanana Valley).
Challenge Series Points Championship
Competitors in the Annamaet Challenge Series vie for the Points Championship awards. Points in each race are awarded as follows: 1st place - 5 points; 2nd place - 4 points; 3rd place - 3 points; 4th place - 2 points; 5th place and all finishers - 1 point. For each class (except mid-distance), the dog driver with the most cumulative points from all the Challenge Series races this season is awarded the Points Champion trophy. Competitors aren't required to race in every Challenge Series race to qualify for Points Champion. View current points standings.
Distances
The distances for each class increase throughout the Challenge Series, as teams train up for the multi-day championship races. Refer to the race schedule for classes and distances.
AARP Division
The AARP-sponsored division for older 4-dog teams will again be run in conjunction with the 4-dog class. You can designate your 4-dog team as an AARP team at the draw or the day of the race. More about the AARP Division can be found here.
Trail Fees
For those training on the ADMA trails or wanting to support our trail grooming efforts, annual trail passes are available for sale for $75 at the draw or the race, or by mailing a check to ADMA, P.O. Box 70662, Fairbanks, AK 99707. Include your name, address, phone number, and optionally your email address. Race fees already include a trail fee for use during the race.
Challenge Series Quick Facts
Title Sponsor
Annamaet Petfoods became the first Challenge Series title sponsor in 2003–2004 race season.
Race location
Jeff Studdert Racegrounds, Fairbanks, Alaska. [trail maps]
Defending points champions (2008)
Sled Classes
- Open: Jeff Conn (Fairbanks, Alaska)
- 8-dog: Bonnie Borba (Fairbanks, Alaska)
- 6-dog: Jennifer Probert (Fairbanks, Alaska)
- 4-dog: Jennifer Probert (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Skijoring
- 3-dog: Greg Jurek (Fairbanks, Alaska)
- 2-dog: Susan Seitz (Fairbanks, Alaska)
- 1-dog: Andy Seitz (Fairbanks, Alaska)