Snow Dogs Galore...It's Party Time at the 25th Aviemore Husky Rally!

Snow Dogs Galore...It's Party Time at the 25th Aviemore Husky Rally!

There's a party going on in the Scottish Highlands with a difference! Over 1000 sled dogs are gathering to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the famous Aviemore Sled Dog Rally.

This year's event takes place on 19 & 20 January 2008, and promises to be a howling celebration for all. With competitors ranging in age from just eight to over 60, there's something for everyone to see at this great family event, which attracts over 3000 spectators annually.

Organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, sponsored by the dog food manufacturer Arden Grange and in conjunction with Forest Enterprise, the rally is run on tracks around the beautiful Loch Morlich in the shadow of the Cairngorms.

The rally features teams of between two and eight sled dogs pulling sleds at up to 20 miles an hour over a gruelling, four-mile track. Taking part will be Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Samoyeds. Just a dozen teams ran in the first rally in 1984. With over 250 teams racing this year, the event is now is one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in Europe.

One of the event organisers, Steve Taylor from Cheshire said: “If we have ideal conditions there will be plenty of snow for teams to pull their driver – called the musher – around the course on a sled. If not, the musher will use a three-wheeled rig that looks a bit like a tricycle without a seat.”

“Both dogs and musher have to be fit and many teams train all year round for this race.  The health and safety of the dogs is our top priority and temperature and humidity are closely monitored to make sure the conditions are right for the dogs and their owners to have maximum fun during the event.  We also have a vet on standby during the racing.   

“This year is really special for all of us as it is our 25 Anniversary. We will be celebrating this prestigious event in style and would like to invite everyone interested in sled dogs to join us in Aviemore. Come along and watch the race, meet the mushers and dogs and learn about the sport and the different breeds that take part.

Great photo opportunities – You are invited to send a photographer to:

Sled Dog Rally site, Loch Morlich, Aviemore, on Thursday 17 January from 10.30am to 1pm for interviews with competitors and pictures of the teams and dogs.

The Arden Grange Aviemore Grand Sled Dog Procession by Torchlight.  50 teams and 200 dogs will stop the traffic at 5.50pm on 17 January as they parade through the centre of Aviemore to open the weekend’s festivities.  

The 2008 Arden Grange & Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain Sled Dog Rally on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 January from 9.30am each day.

Notes to Editors:

1.       The Event

The 2008 Arden Grange Aviemore Sled Dog Rally will be the 25th Aviemore rally; the first race took place in 1984 with just 12 teams. This year over 250 adult and 25 junior mushers (ages 8-16 years) will take part.

 There are seven adult classes:

A -        5-8 dogs

B -        4-6 dogs

C -        3-4 dogs (siberian Huskies only)

C2 -      3-4 dogs (mixed sled dogs)

D -        2 dogs  (siberian Huskies only)

D2 -      2 dogs (mixed sled dogs)

E          2-3 dogs

The main rally is held over the weekend of 19 and 20 January. Start times on the first day are by random draw but the Sunday's starts are on the basis of first-in, first-out – that is, the fastest time of Saturday in each class starts the Sunday heat. The team with the fastest time over the two days wins their class. The event starts at 9.30 am each day and viewing is free for the general public. Teams run at either two-minute intervals (A and B Class) or one-minute intervals for the remainder (C,D,E). This creates a very fast moving event. Starts for the A and B teams are very exciting and so are the finishes for the C, D, E classes with up to seven teams in view at the finish.

The race is open to five pedigree-registered Sled Dog breeds: Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Greenland Huskies and Canadian Eskimo Dogs. Many of the dogs running at the Rally will also be competing at Crufts Dog Show in March.

Competitors come from all walks of life, including nurses, policeman, executives, company directors, aircraft engineers, vehicle technicians, secretaries, sales assistants to name but a few.

2.      The Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain

This was set up in 1977 to promote the interests of the Siberian Husky as a pedigree breed. It provides information, help and advice to all those interested in the Siberian Husky, whether they are owners or not. The Club holds Open and Championship shows each year and working rallies take place throughout the winter months. The health and welfare of the Siberian Husky is particularly important and the Club runs a national welfare scheme for unwanted Siberian Huskies. The scheme is funded entirely by voluntary donation. Further information on both the Club and Siberian Husky can be found on the web site: www.siberianhuskyclub.com .

For further information or photos contact

the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain : 

Judy Wakker on 07765 886236 or 01786 822583

Date:02 Jan 2008, Author: Judy Wakker