Race to the Sky has added a Staged Race to the Continuous Format race for 2009To: All MediaFrom: Pam Beckstrom, PR 406-881-DOGS Race to the Sky 2009 Race to the Sky officials have announced that Race to the Sky has added a new portion of trail to this year’s 400+ mile dogsled race. Race to the Sky has been Montana’s premier winter sporting event for 24 years. Entries are being accepted and excitement is high for the change in the race format. The festivities start Thursday, February 12, with pre-race events in Helena. From 11:00-2:00, the vet check will take place in Downtown Helena and a Business Card Social where rides will be auctioned. The public will be able to meet the mushers during the social starting at 5:00 p.m. at Park Plaza in Helena. On Friday, February 13, the first of three legs will commence from Deer Lodge to Butte. There will be a Meet the Mushers and Ceremonial start on Main Street in Deer Lodge from noon until 2:00 followed by festivities all afternoon in Deer Lodge and a Dinner at 6:00. The teams will leave Orofino Snowmobile Parking Lot, just outside Deer Lodge at 5:30 and finish near Butte between 9:00 and 11:30 p.m. that evening. On Saturday, February 14, the second leg of the race will follow the Meet the Mushers in Downtown Butte from 9:00-noon with the restart staged near Butte at 2:00 p.m. Teams are expected to finish at Historic Camp Rimini, near Helena, between 7:00-11:00 p.m. that evening. On Sunday, February 15, teams will restart at 11:00 at Hi Country Snack Foods for all racers wishing to run the continuous 300 mile portion of the race with a noon restart for all staged mushing teams. An awards ceremony will follow the finish of the staged race at Hi Country Snack Foods in Lincoln. The public is invited. The continuous portion of the Race to the Sky will finish between Tuesday afternoon, February 17 and Wednesday afternoon, February 18 by 4:00 p.m. The Awards Ceremony will follow at 6:00 p.m. at Lincoln Community Center. The public is invited to watch all the events and attend the Awards Ceremonies. Teams may run the three legs from Deer Lodge to Butte, Butte to Camp Rimini, and Lincoln Loop only or they can choose to run all three legs plus the continuous part of Race to the Sky. By adding a new staged race in addition to the continuous race, officials hope to see more competitors entering Race to the Sky. The Race to the Sky always needs volunteers to assist in the following areas: Helena, Deer Lodge, Butte (near Walkerville), Camp Rimini, Lincoln, Seeley Lake, and all events in between. No experience is necessary but it is a great chance to meet some very nice people. If you would like to volunteer, please e-mail the Race to the Sky at info@racetothesky.org or call the race number at 406-881-DOGS for more specific information.
