On Saturday the Alaska Skijor and Pulk Association held its season finale Fun Race #7 at the Jeff Studdert Race Grounds north of Fairbanks . With temperatures near freezing and about an inch of new snow, the trail was slow but in great shape for dogs and skiers.

Matt Bray had the 5.9 mile, 2-dog class to himself, finishing in 28:13 with Gilbert and Sullivan. Sandy Malvick led the 5.9 mile, 1-dog class with Corky with a time of 27:58, followed by Sara Tabbert with Rothko in 32:24 and Gail Davidson with Tobi in 33:57.

The 4.5 mile distance was the largest of the day, with teams in all three dog classes. In the 3-dog class, Don Kiely with Borax, Chance, and Daikon took first place in a time of 18:18, followed by Sara Elzey and Ayla, Chert, and Crowe in a time of 18;30. Carol Kleckner won the 2-dog class with Jazz and Robin in a time of 17:57, followed by Andy Warwick with Zip and Licorice in 18:01 and Peggy Raybeck with Carmen and Smokey in 18:24. Amy Carroll won the 1-dog class with Penny in a time of 23:48 followed by husband Chad Carroll and Tico in 24:08.

In the 3.7 mile distance, Sara Elzey won the 2-dog class with Loon, Casper , and Galena in 14:29, followed by Mike Malvick with Billie, Mons , and Mesa in 16:13. Peggy Raybeck dominated the 2-dog class with Charlie Brown and Tracker in a time of 15:20. Anja Kade won the 1-dog class with Scout in a time of 24:35, followed by Jim Altherr and Sophie in 26:19 and Eamon O’Regan and Bailey in 29:31.

David French won the one mile, 1-dog class with Boone in 4:12, pursued by Sara Elzey and Myst in 4:44 and Andy Warwick and Blue in 5:04.

Most people were content to do one or two races, but Sara Elzey chose to push herself and run three races, using her own dogs and a few from Carol Kleckner’s kennel. The lowest Sara placed in her three races was second place, showing what a strong skier with fresh dogs can accomplish!

The final race of the day was a LeMans start for a one-mile, one-dog race. 17 racers lined up attached to their dogs, with skis in a small area about 50 yards away. At the gun, they all sprinted to put on their skis and head down the course, going down a long hill and back up to the finish. The fastest runners who got their skis on quickly headed down the trail for a clean start. But those who held back, including a few whose dogs seemed a bit confused about the event, found themselves in a big pileup not far from the start. Dogs, bodies, and skis were everywhere until each racer got things sorted out and got back on their way. It was as entertaining for spectators as it was for participants!

Breaking away quickly and powering through the course was Brian Charlton with a time of 4:56. Close on his heels was Andy Warwick for a time of 5:05. Mike Malvick (5:06), Emily Bernhardt (5:07), and Carol Kleckner (5:07) rounded out the top five with Emily and Carol sharing fourth place.

The volunteers who made the race possible were race director Don Kiely; registration Kimberlee Beckman and Sara Elzey; starter Pat DeRuyter; timers Judy Warwick, Chuck Deehr, and Toni Hawkins; and handler Toni Deehr. Kimberlee Beckman and Brian Charlton calculated the results.  Also, thanks to Tom McGrane for opening Mushers' Hall, setting up the sound system, and providing access to the large digital clock.  ADMA groomer, Ray, groomed the trails before the early morning snow.

After the race, participants and volunteers gathered for a BBQ (many thanks to Jamie Marschner and Lisa Stuby for grilling) and potluck, with awards, volunteer recognition, board elections, and lots of prizes. Pat DeRuyter was named Volunteer of the year by the members of ASPA.

The event was a great way to finish up the skijoring race season!