15 skijorers and 30 dogs enjoyed a fast course and moderate temperatures in the latest installment of the Alaska Skijor and Pulk Association fun race series organized by Pat DeRuyter. Cindy Salmon blazed around the 5 mile course with Benny, Happy and, Jets in 16:55. Only 3 minute spread the 2 dog 5 mile field which was won by Chris Terzi (Hope and Bruiser) in 20:42. George Salmon (Tex, Pumpkin, Pike), the only 3 dog 3.4 mile contestant, made a mid race decision (read wrong turn) to change his category to 6.2 miles, and won in 31:14. After his skijor attachment broke and Cody and Tagish started without their skier, Darien Atkinson was allowed a restart and took the 2 dog 3.4 mile class, followed closely by the youngest member of the field, Christie Couckuyt (Sunshine and Pluto). Sarah Elzey dove across the finish line behind Shadow to gracefully win the one dog 3.4 mile class. Another mid race decision created a 2 dog 1.5 mile class won by Tone Deehr (Yarrow and Alder).
Thanks to Andy Elsberg, Shannon Brockman and Cheryle Barrett for help with race logistics, and sponsors Beaver Sports, All Weather Sports, Rim Pac Equipment, Wendy's, and 49er Feed for race series prizes. Thanks also to Creamer's Field for allowing ASPA to put in the trails.
Fun Race #5 will be January 17, 199 at Creamer's Field. Sign up is at 11 and the race start is 11:30AM.
3 dog, 6.2 miles
1. George Salmon (Tex, Pumpkin, Pike) 31:14
3 dog, 5 miles
1. Cindy Salmon (Benny, Jets, Happy) 16:55
2 dog, 5 miles
1. Chris Terzi (Hope, Bruiser) 20:42
2. Pat DeRuyter (Bandit, Yukon) 21:22
3. Clarice Dukeminier (Kanuti, Crisco) 22:46
4. Sharon Isaacson (Peanut, Candy) 23:34
2 dog, 3.4 miles
1. Darien Atkinson (Cody, Tagish) 14:54
2. Christie Couckuyt (Sunshine, Pluto) 15:55
3. Keith Payne (Dakota, Parker) 18:04
4. Charles Deehr (Taj, Shasha) 20:21
5. Lucile Hackett (Seppa, Jake) 21:19
6. Chris DuBois (Skook, Freckels) 21:22
1 dog, 3.4 miles
1. Sara Elzey (Shadow) 18:51
2. Jerry Troupe (Chena) 25:46
2 dog, 1.5 miles
1. Tone Deehr (Yarrow, Alder) 9:18
This page was updated January 14, 1999
Please send corrections or comments to Tom McGrane.