The Diavik 150 Canadian Championship Sled Dog Race is scheduled to begin on March 23rd. Last year the purse was a whopping $50,000, and we are anxiously awaiting to see the final purse for this year.The race is one of the toughest with flat and windy conditions which make the musher into a sail or a drag. Last year’s winner, Lloyd Gilbertson tried copying the local method of laying down on his sled, but his large stature made it very difficult. It looks like Lloyd will be replaced by the lighter, and prettier Wendy Davis. Other top mushers such as the very competitve Beck Family, and they will be a force to contend with. Also racing is Sam Perrino who finished second last year.The Yellowknife race started in 1955 by the NWT Fish and Game Association. The first winner was Alfred Drygeese who won the “sleigh race” and the $50 purse. The other competitors won condiments such as flour and groceries as well as rifle shells.The race is a large effort by the community, having been run in the past by the Elk Clubs and the Rotary Club. The club is sponsored by a local diamond mine, Diavik, which keeps the race a community event.The 150 miles race is completed in 3 days, with mass starts. The race is the favorite of many mushers worldwide.For more information visit www.diavik150.com
