At least 32 teams expected for weekend Sled Dog Days
Steve Riggs of Condon puts harnesses on his dogs before the start of the race on day one of the Flathead Sled Dog Days on Saturday, January 9, 2010 in Olney.
The fourth annual Flathead Sled Dog Days kicks off this weekend near Olney with at least 32 sled dog teams in the running.
Races begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with veterinarian check-ins at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish on Friday.
This year, there are three husband-wife teams, a husband-wife-and-daughter group and one father-daughter team entered.
Most participants are from Montana, but there also are competitors from British Columbia, Idaho, Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alberta.
The event, sponsored by the nonprofit organization Snow Action Sports Inc., will feature four-dog, eight-dog and 12-dog racing classes, running different distances on the Stillwater State Forest.
Races start at the Olney Trailhead on Upper Whitefish Lake Road at mile marker 146.5 on U.S. 93 just east of Olney.
An awards ceremony will be held Sunday afternoon at the Olney trailhead.
For more information, go to flatheadsleddogdays.com.