Race scheduled for December 13-14, 2008
starting at the Sheep Mountain Lodge.
For the most current updates and results during and after the race, click HERE.
Date: December 13, 2008
Start: First musher starts Saturday at noon. Mandatory musher meeting at 10:45 am.
Note: The 2008 race is limited to 50 teams. Teams signed up will be posted here periodically beginning October 7. If the race is full, please submit your information to be put on a waitlist.
For the most current updates and results during and after the race, click HERE.
View 2006 Race results here.
View 2005 Race results here.
Mushers: The race will be limited to the first 50 mushers officially signed up. 12 dog maximum, 10 dog minimum, no substitutions. Most aspects of the race will follow “Iditarod Rules” (see Race Rules). Race applications will be accepted after October 1 via e-mail, fax, or paper mail. Entry time shall be based on official Alaska time found on www.time.gov. Entry fee is $200 on or before December 1 and $250 after December 1. Rules, entry forms, and general race information are available at links below:
Race Rules - Printable HTML
Entry Form - Printable HTML
General Race Information - Printable HTML
Purse: (assuming full race field)
1st: $1,750
2nd: $1,250
3rd: $750
4th: $500
5th: $200
Prizes will also be given for veterinary care and sportsmanship.
Route: The race starts and finishes at Sheep Mountain Lodge. There will be three legs of approximately 50 miles with two mandatory layovers of five hours separating them. Both of the five-hour layovers will be at Eureka Lodge. The first and last 50 miles will be the same trail between Sheep Mountain Lodge and Eureka lodge but run in the opposite direction. The middle 50 miles will be a loop that starts and finishes at Eureka.
The anticipated race trail will leave from Sheep Mountain Lodge and run past Gunsight Mountain via the old Glenn Highway and Gunsight saddle trail, turn left on Squaw Creek, right on Caribou Creek, right on Alfred Creek, right on Belanger Pass, and then left across the Start-Up Lakes to Eureka Lodge. After the first Eureka five hour layover the trail will run northeast across Eureka Lake, beside the Glenn Highway, left at the Inner Loop Trail, right on the Old Man Creek Trail, left to the Old Nelchina Town site, right to the Little Nelchina River, right on the John Lake/Lake Louise Trail, right along the Glenn Highway, southwest across Eureka Lake and return to Eureka. The first and last two miles in/out of Eureka will be along the same trail (two-way). After the second mandatory five hour layover the trail will follow the first leg between Sheep Mountain Lodge and Eureka Lodge, but in reverse direction. Changes to any or all of this route are possible due to seasonal trail conditions and dog team safety concerns.
The goal of this race is to provide mushers with a well-marked, safe course for early season distance training and competition. Good sportsmanship and ethical behavior is expected of all participants.
Please note: Parking at Sheep Mountain Lodge is very limited. Please carpool if possible.
Contacts: Race director: Zack Steer.
Telephone: 1-877-645-5121. Fax: (907) 745-5120
Web: www.sheepmountain.com
Email: info@sheepmountain.com
Mail: SML 150, 17701 West Glenn Hwy, Sutton, AK 99674
Eureka Lodge telephone: (907) 822-3808
