South Colton

Sled Dog Races

Continued

    These dogs are attached to the harness and are waiting to start the race.  It takes a number of helpers to hold the dogs down before a race begins.  They are so excited because they want to start running.  Notice these dogs also have their booties on.  It was very noisy when the dogs were getting ready to start the race.

    This musher has begun the race.  He wears bib number 85.  I am not sure why because there were only 30 mushers in the race.  The next racer will start two minutes after this musher leaves the shoot.  You have to stagger the start of the racers or else all of the dogs will get tangled up.  Notice behind him in the shoot that some of his helpers are just moving out.  This way the next musher and his/her helpers can move into the shoot and prepare for the start.  If a musher's team starts to early they have to come back and start again, or can be disqualified.

    This team and his musher are being led to the starting gate by his helpers.  Notice that the dogs are literally being held back by the helpers.  They have been trained from a young age to run, and once hooked up that is what they want to do!

    This same musher and his team are now in the shoot.  The count down has begun, and they are getting ready to take off.  This picture was taken about 50 feet from the starting gate.

    Again the same team, closer to starting.  Notice how many helpers are there to hold the team down.

    Dog inspectors walked around before the race.  They were checking to make sure that the dogs do not look mistreated.  If they are mistreated the musher will be disqualified. 

    Also, this dog is waiting for his buddy to be released from his apartment.  Another dog builds up energy by eating a snack right before the big race.

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