Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race returns this weekend
Musher Dina Lund takes her six-dog team into the final section of the Flathead Classic Saturday. (Jeremy Weber/Daily Inter Lake)
After a 1-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other logistical issues, the Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race is returning to Olney, Montana this weekend.
Around 30 teams are expected to race in seven different event classes. Race events take place Saturday, Feb. 26 and Sunday, Feb. 27 at Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Center 3 miles north of Olney on U.S. Highway 93 North.
The races are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. and wrap up around 1 p.m. each day; an awards ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Dog Creek Nordic Trailhead.
Event coordinator Brett Svetlik says that board members of the nonprofit that puts on this event annually are most excited to see all the mushers and dogs out competing on the course again after unfortunately having to cancel last year.
“(Excited for) the awesome community of mushers and their furry canine teams,” Svetlik expressed. “Dogs never understood the pandemic, so they may be a little confused seeing so many people cheering them on.”
The events this year include six-dog class, four-dog class in both adult and junior divisions, one-dog and two-dog skijoring, one-dog and two-dog fat bike joring, and one-dog PeeWee. All classes will mush on the groomed Nordic trails surrounding the Dog Creek Lodge.
Svetlik anticipates the most popular events being the one-dog skijoring and the four-dog class as each of those had the most participants registered last week.
The one-dog peewee class will be the shortest race at one-quarter mile and the longest, the six-dog class will compete on an 18-mile course. All the courses are the same as they were for the 2020 event.
Spectators are invited to attend both days and the event is free for the public, though it is recommended to leave pets at home. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Center throughout both days. There will be an announcer and great places to watch the races, according to Svetlik.
“This is a family-friendly event,” he added. “If you don't like dogs, it is advised to steer clear. There is very limited parking at Dog Creek, so spectators are advised to carpool.”
Those looking to Nordic ski will be able to use the trails again after 2 p.m. each day when the races conclude.
In order to put on this event every year, the organizers need numerous volunteers and sponsors.
For more information visit flatheadclassic.org.