Sled dog race pulls mushers to Moosehead

    GREENVILLE — The Wilderness Sled Dog Racing Association is pleased to announce the support of major corporate sponsor Plum Creek for its eighth annual event. The Plum Creek Wilderness Sled Dog Race will take place Saturday, Feb. 9 — rescheduled from the week before when a midweek thaw made trail conditions unsuitable for a safe race — on the forested mountain trails of the Moosehead Lake region. One of only three long-distance races in New England, the Wilderness Race offers mushers and their canine athletes a chance to compete on a challenging 100-mile course that begins and ends in the town of Greenville. A 30-mile race is also held, and fun activities for spectators and families are scheduled throughout the day.

    MUSH, NOT SLUSH — After being postponed a week due to the warm weather, the Plum Creek Wilderness Sled Dog Race is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9 in Greenville. The event includes races of 30 and 100 miles

    Spectators flock to the 9 a.m. start of the 100-mile to witness the intense excitement of dog teams eager to run. Start time for the 30-mile race is around 10:15 a.m. This year the races will start and finish at the Leisure Life Resort, giving race teams and spectators plenty of space. The race trail traverses into the mountainous 100-Mile Wilderness area and passes through several remote sporting camps, providing vantage points along the course for spectators who want to watch the race’s progress. Long after darkness falls, even the last team to reach the finish will be greeted by a welcoming bonfire and cheering supporters in Greenville.

    The Wilderness Race draws teams from all over the U.S. and Canada as well as local competitors. The event is a regional favorite among mushers and receives high marks for a well-groomed, scenic trail and friendly community support. Teams have been busy training on dry land throughout the autumn; both mushers and dogs eagerly await the first significant snowfall and the start of racing season.

    Family events like snowshoe races for all ages will be held during the day with a bonfire in the evening to welcome the racers back to Greenville. Trailside Restaurant at Leisure Life Resort will be open that day to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    The event is organized by the Wilderness Sled Dog Racing Association, a Greenville non-profit. For more information, go to www.100milewildernessrace.org, e-mail wildernessrace@yahoo.com or call Bethany at the Greenville Town Office at 695-2421.