2011 Arden Grange & Siberian Husky Club of GB Aviemore Sled Dog Rally

2011 Arden Grange & Siberian Husky Club of GB Aviemore Sled Dog Rally

Great photo opportunities

Over 1000 sled dogs and 200 mushers are heading for Aviemore this weekend to take part in the 2011 Arden Grange & Siberian Husky Club of Great Britian Aviemore Sled Dog Rally.

This year's event takes place on 22 and 23 January 2011. Organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, sponsored by the dog food manufacturer Arden Grange and in conjunction with Forestry Commission Scotland, the rally is run on forest trails around the beautiful Loch Morlich in the shadow of the Cairngorms.

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. The rally features teams of between two and eight sled dogs pulling sleds at up to 25 miles an hour over a challenging, four mile track. Taking part will be Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds and Canadian Eskimo Dogs.

Organiser, Sarah Robinson from Watford explains: "If we have ideal conditions, like last year, 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."

Jack Mackay, for Forestry Commission Scotland in Inverness, said; "We are pleased to work with the Club to organise this great event. It's a magnificent spectacle, watching these beautiful, hard working dogs give it their all makes for an exciting day out for all the family."

Just a dozen teams ran in the first rally in 1984. With over 200 teams racing this year, the event is now one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in the world, bringing very welcome income to the tourist industry, shops and restaurants of Aviemore.

Organiser, Sarah Robinson added "Sled dogs will arrive from as far as the Isle of Wight, 600 miles south, for what is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious of the Siberian Husky Club's series of rallies. Both dogs and musher have to be fit and the health and safety of the dogs is our top priority. We closely monitor trail conditions, temperature and humidity to make sure everything is right for the dogs and we always have a vet on standby during the racing. Many of the dogs running at the Rally will also be competing at the Kennel Club's Crufts Dog Show in March."

Notes to Editors:

1.       The Event

The 2011 Arden Grange Aviemore Sled Dog Rally will be the 28th 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. 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:18 Jan 2011, Author: Judy Wakker