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Dog sled racing, an activity very popular with Canadians
This discipline, which consists of piloting a sled pulled by several dogs, is very successful in Canada. We reveal the best races to you.
Dog Sled Racing in Canada: Thrilling Races in the Snow
Dog sled racing is very popular in Canada. Throughout the year, various events are organized throughout the country. Races like the Yukon Quest or the Chic-Chocs are particularly popular with spectators. We will explain how they work and why they are so popular.
The Yukon Quest
Very famous in Canada, the Yukon Quest is a sled dog race that has existed for several years now. In fact, the first time runners completed this route was in 1984.
At the time, theevent was already generating a lot of enthusiasm. To attend, people from different regions did not hesitate to travel. Today, the Yukon Quest is one of the major events of the year. It brings together the best runners in the country and offers each edition a unique spectacle to spectators.
Furthermore, this route, which has become more and more popular over the years, is 1,600 km long. To cover it, even the best runners must take at least ten days because the track is so difficult.
Indeed, the terrain and extreme temperatures make the Yukon Quest one of the most intense sled dog races in the world. Runners who wish to tame it must undergo rigorous training, because the course requires very good endurance.
Furthermore, speed alone is not enough if you want to win. On the Yukon Quest trails, you also need to have a certain knowledge of the terrain. The pilots who manage to complete this course in around ten days have had to undergo several years of preparation.
Conditions to be met to participate in the Yukon Quest
To be able to participate in the Yukon Quest, you must meet certain conditions. Runners who wish to complete the course must meet the following criteria:
Be at least 18 years old on the date of departure
Successfully completed a dog sled race in the 42 months prior to running the Yukon Quest. The length of the race must be at least 320 km to be taken into account
These rules were created to maintain the standard of the event. Indeed, the organizers do not want a race where abandonments are frequent. For this reason, only candidates who have already proven themselves on the slopes are allowed to compete.
When it comes to rewards, the Yukon Quest offers several. First of all, there is the prize for the winner. The Yukon Quest champion is entitled to two rewards. The cup intended for him is a golden harness for his dogs. Every year dozens of runners participate in the event in the hope of lifting these trophies.
There is also the special prize awarded by the race veterinarians. This prize is offered to the rider who has taken the most care of his team. This is an award that was created to encourage runners to take good care of their animals.
Another prize that can be won by participating in the Yukon is the Challenge of the North Award. The event organizers award it to the participant who best represents the spirit of the competition.
And that's not all, there's also the Sportsmanship Award. A prize that is awarded by the participants. Basically, the Sportsmanship Award is offered to the candidate who distinguished himself the most despite not winning the race. This award is given each year to highlight the exploits achieved by those who were unable to win the Yukon Quest.
The Dawson Award is also a Yukon Quest award. It is awarded to the runner who manages to reach Dawson City first. The Rookie of the Year Award, on the other hand, is awarded to the highest ranked driver among the first participations. It is also a highly coveted prize.
Finally, among the rewards offered during the Yukon Quest is the Red Lantern. This prize is awarded to the last candidate to cross the finish line.
A popular discipline in Canada
Many races dog sleds are organized in Canada. Throughout the year, the country hosts various events, most of which have existed for several years. In 2023, one meeting in particular stood out. It was chic-shock.
The Chic-Chocs is an international dog sled race that has existed since 2022. Bringing together the best drivers, it took place for the second consecutive year in the Gaspé Peninsula.
In 2023, 21 teams participated in this race. Coming from the four corners of Canada, the pilots put on an entertaining show. Dog sled racing fans who made the trip were not disappointed.
Note that Chic-Chocs participants have the choice between two races. Depending on their means, they can either choose the 40 or the 200.
The first is 70 kilometers long. It's a fairly complex race that passes through Murdochville and Mount Lyall. The second extends to 320 km. It is just as complex and requires great endurance.
For the 70 km race, the driver must have eight dogs to pull the sled. As for the 320, he must have 12 per team.
Concerning the route, the Chic-Chocs requires you to be quite efficient because it only has three stops. The first is located at Relais de la Cache, which is quite far away. Generally, pilots take between four and seven hours to reach it.
The second stop of the race is located in Murdochville. To achieve it, you need to have a lot of will and skill. Indeed, this part of the race is quite difficult.
Moreover, once they arrive at the second stop, the riders are required to take a long break of six hours. And as they generally arrive around 9 p.m., the departure for the last stage is given around 3 a.m. Which makes the race even more intense.
Finally, the third and final stop of this race is located in Chandler. This stop is rather close compared to the first two, as it is only 80 km from the second checkpoint. It is during this last sprint that everything is decided between the best runners.
Note that a renowned driver participated in the 2023 edition of the Chic-Chocs. This is the famous Katherine Langlais. Very talented, the latter managed to win the Can-Am Crown race a few months earlier. She is also the first woman to finish first in a 400 km event.
The Mauricie Challenge
Among the sled races dogs The most famous in Canada is the Défi Maurice. It takes place in two stages, and each year welcomes the best drivers in the country.
Paused in 2020 due to the health crisis, the Défi Mauricie made its comeback in 2022. News that delighted fans, as they were impatiently waiting to be able to attend the event again.
For information, more than 50 drivers participated in the 2022 Mauricie Challenge. Throughout the course, they put on a great show and satisfied the fans who came along.
Indeed, the organizer of this race can boast of receiving the best drivers in each edition.
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