Valerie G. Barnes Connell Jordan
Northern Advocate
For the first time in several years, La Ronge was the focus point of the Canadian Challenge Dog Sled Races.
In previous years the Challenge began in Prince Albert with teams travelling north through the bush, stopping a several check points and coming into La Ronge, where many people awaited their arrival at all hours of the day or night.
For several years teams travelled north involving the communities of Stanley Mission and Grandmother’s Bay
Over the years it changed, and in recent years, Missinipe became more of a primary spot for the races. This year it came back to La Ronge.
The 300-mile race was eliminated this year in favour of a 10-dog 200-mile race, an 8-dog, 100-mile race and a two-day 60-mile race, which did not have to include an overnight.
With temperatures plummeting to -51 for two nights, the 10-dog teams made their way to Weyakwin, rested, turned around, and came back to La Ronge to complete the 200-mile race.
The 200-mile is a qualifier for the Iditarod race that runs between Alaska and the Northwest Territories. Several teams scratched and three made it to the finish line.
Garrick Schmidt was the winner of the 10-dog race; Dan Kirkup came in second place; and Anna Bolvin took third place.
In the 8-dog 100 Mile Race: Sean de Wolski was the winner; with La Ronge’s Ragnar Robinson coming in second; Jerry Joinson in third place; and Shellie Torok placed third.
Amanda Grant won the 6-dog 60-mile race and a new musher from La Ronge, Derek Konga finished in second place.
Garrick Schmidt won the Spirit of the North Award, a received a art piece featuring Trapper Tom Charles created by La Ronge artist, Annalisa Heppner, who was a long-time volunteer with the Challenge.
Schmidt also won the Best Kept Team Vet award for the 10-dog race. Shellie Torok won the Best Kept team Vet award for the 8-dog race. Dan Kirkup won the Best Kept Team Overall award.
Rylee Rentz, received the Most Outstanding Veterinarian award. And Jerry Joinson and Bonnie received the Inspirational Musher Award.
Awards were presented at the annual Challenge breakfast where the stories of the trails are shared along with some good food. The breakfast was held at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC) on Friday, Feb. 21.
One day was also shaved on the Challenge from previous years.
Sid Robinson, a long-time musher, who was there at the beginning of the Challenge, was the speaker for the event. He shared many stories, particularly of the earlier days when, for example, a time when mushers were required to give people, often sponsors, a ride for the first leg of the race.
Robinson, the keeper of several red lanterns, the award for the musher who comes in last, was also handler for his son, Ragnar, who is carrying on the family tradition.
