1000 Sled Dogs head north for the Big Freeze!

1000 Sled Dogs head north for the Big Freeze!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow - that's the hope of the competitors at the Arden Grange & Siberian Husky Club of GB Aviemore Sled Dog Rally 2009.

This year's event takes place on 24 & 25 January 2009 and over 1000 sled dogs will be hoping for plenty of the white stuff to make it a real arctic experience. 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.

Jack Mackay, for Forestry Commission Scotland in Inverness, said; "We are more than happy to work with the Club to organise their events, not just here in Inverness but across Scotland. The Commission has the perfect trails for some great racing, giving the dogs and their drivers a challenge and a thrill!

"It's a magnificent spectacle too - watching these beautiful, hard working dogs give it their all makes for an exciting day out. I'd urge anyone to come along and get track-side."

The rally features teams of between two and eight sled dogs pulling sleds at up to 20 miles an hour over a challenging, 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 the world, bringing very welcome income to the tourist industry, shops and restaurants of Aviemore.

Jonathan Gatenby, an Aviemore Business Association spokesman said "We are delighted to have the Siberian Husky Club of GB back in Aviemore and Glenmore, This long standing event has become a highlight of the Winter season and it is a great spectacle for the visitors to the area. The event is a welcome boost to the local economy at a generally quiet time of the year. It has been calculated that the event brings in over £400,000 to local shops, restaurants and hotels. The ideal thing is that come snow or shine the huskies run, which in view of the erratic nature of the skiing season makes it a very important event."

One of the event organisers, Sarah Robinson from Watford explains more about the race: "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."

"Sled dogs will arrive from as far as the Isle of Wight and Devon, 600 miles south, for what is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious of the Siberian Husky Club's series of rallies. Many of the dogs running at the Rally will also be competing at the Kennel Club's Crufts Dog Show in March.

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

Sled Dog Rally site, Loch Morlich, Aviemore, on Thursday 22 January from 10.30am to 1pm for interviews with competitors and pictures of the teams and dogs.

And/Or

The Arden Grange & Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain Sled Dog Rally 2009 on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January from 9.30am to 4pm each day.

Notes to Editors:

1.       The Event

The 2009 Arden Grange Aviemore Sled Dog Rally will be the 26th Aviemore rally.

There are eight adult classes and two children's classes. 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 often several teams in view at the finish. Competitors come from all walks of life and from all over the UK and Northern Ireland.

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, interviews and photos contact

The Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain : 

Judy Wakker on 07765 886236

Date:15 Jan 2009, Author: Judy Wakker