Wilderness Sled Dog Race returns Feb. 3
GREENVILLE — The 11th annual Wilderness Sled Dog Race will take place Saturday, Feb. 3 in the forested mountain trails of the Moosehead Lake region. One of only three long-distance races in New England, the Wilderness Race will begin and end at Leisure Life Resort. A 70-mile race begins at 9 a.m. and a 36-mile race is also held beginning at 10 a.m.
Plan to spend the day in Greenville, watching the sled dog teams leave at 9 a.m. and then return to a welcoming bonfire between 3 and 5 p.m. Spend the afternoon at local stores and restaurants that will also be open for business in Greenville to welcome visitors to the area. This event is free to the public.
Spectators can follow signs through town to Leisure Life Resort on Lily Bay Road, to witness the noisy and fun excitement of up to 20 dog teams eager to run. Organizers suggest spectators get there between 8-8:30 a.m. to meet the teams as they prepare for the 9 a.m. start. The 36-mile race starts at 10 a.m. The race trail traverses 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 this daylong event and the racer’s progress.
The Wilderness Race draws teams from all over the U.S. and Canada as well as local competitors such as Ashley Simpson of Shirley. The event is a regional favorite among mushers and receives high marks for a well-groomed, scenic trail and friendly community support.
The event is organized by the Wilderness Sled Dog Racing Association, a Greenville non-profit and local community partners like Appalachian Mountain Club, Moosehead Snowmobile Club, Moosehead ATV Club, the town of Greenville and many volunteers. For more information, visit the race website www.100milewildernessrace.org, email wildernesssleddograce@gmail.com, or call Bethany at the Greenville Town Office at 695-2421.
Contributed photo
ANNUAL WILDERNESS SLED DOG RACE IN GREENVILLE — Peter Hallett and his team race in the 2017 Wilderness Sled Dog Race in Greenville. This year’s event will be on Saturday, Feb. 3 with the races starting at 9 a.m. at the Leisure Life Resort.