March 3 to 6, 2010                      SLED DOG RACE

Occupation:  electrician Raced Dogs:  2 years Entered the race:  to enjoy the Northern Saskatchewan  terrain Goals for this race:  to complete the race with a happy healthy team Les was born and raised in Saskatchewan and is married to Kim Adrian.  Les and Kim just moved to a new location, so this has been a very busy time for him.  Good Luck, Les.

Occupation:  Teacher Handler:  Arden Start Years running dogs:  30+ years Races Finished:  Uranium City “Freeze Frolic” 1972 and 1973 Earl grew up in LaRonge and Uranium City.  He started by making his own harnesses and sleds for pet dogs, then Ken Passler came to town with 9 dogs a couple of years later.  We caught a few strays.  Next thing you know we had 63 dogs plus pups.  Earl hunted and trapped in the north (including the Barrens) for many years as a boy.  What he likes best about running his dogs is that after work you can hook up and watch the sun go down and the moon come up.  You can keep your sense of humor.  It is a humbling experience out in the forest alone with your dogs.  He decided to run after hearing about the beautiful trail. Earl names his dogs after people that have had an influence on his life; as a result his lead dog is named George, after renowned bush pilot George Greening. He wants “run on the right trail this time”,

Occupation:  Sled Dog Tour Guide Handler:  Marcia Klein Kennel:  Sundogs Kennel Bloodlines:  Tomkins and Akela’s Den  Kennels Years running dogs:  3 years Races Finished:  rookie Tyler got started while taking a Ecotourism Course in Prince Albert.  His instructor asked him to help with the Snowdog Romp and found it was truly amazing.  He enjoys dog sledding because it makes our cold Canadian winters absolutely enjoyable.  There is nothing better than taking a couple of guests from the city into the Saskatchewan wilderness with nothing but a wooden sled and eight eager and enthusiastic Alaskan Huskies.  It is a truly rewarding sport that takes a lot of hard work, commitment and dedication but, it is worth it.  His goal for the race to cross the finish line and have fun, meet my fellow mushers from the area and to become an even better musher. Sponsors:   - Sundog Excursions

Occupation:  Retired Handler:  Britanny Driscol Kennel:  Carole’s Pampered Pups Kennel Bloodlines:  Tomkins, some sprint lines and more Years running dogs:  17 years Races Finished:  Wildcat Musher Marathon a few  times; the Canadian Challenge twice and other local races. Carole is a living legend in the mushing world.  Her age has been 46 and holding ever since her first race.  In her first race, as she states: “green as grass”; she had everything packed but the kitchen sink loaded in here sled, and it could have been hiding in there someplace.  She went down the trail casting off unneeded gear for 500 miles.  Carole finished that first 500 mile wilderness race, even after taking a wrong trail and climbing a “hill” that could challenge any mountain climber.  Ask her about it sometime.  She has since completed many wilderness races.  Her battle with arthritis makes her a true inspiration to all the other mushers. Sponsors:  Stewart Elliott

 

DEAN DePAPE, Yorkton  SK

Occupation:  Teacher Handler:  Davey DePape Kennel:  Kaelaney Kennel (for his children Keal & Delaney) Kennel Bloodlines: Siberians that go back to the Sepp-Alta line Years running dogs:  5 years Races Finished:  Lakeland Invitational, 2004-6 dog;         2005-10 dog; Preeceville 2006 6-dog Dean, his wife Kami and their two children spend their time with the dogs.  Dean who started with 2 now has a kennel full.  What he loves the most is running them under a full moon, listening to the dogs feet hitting the snow and hearing them breathing.  He finds it peaceful and relaxing yet challenging at times.  Dean's main goal for the race is to familiarize his dogs with race environment so that they have race experience for when he enters the ten dog.  He picked the best of his eight dog kennel.  The other mushers like having him at the races as he is always upbeat and friendly.  Happy trails, Dean.

 

NANCY DRAGAN, Prince Albert  SK

Occupation:  High School teacher Handler:  Diane Schupe Kennel:  Risky Trails Kennel Kennel Bloodlines:  Tomkins and Siberians (Len Staff) Years running dogs: 12 years Races Finished:  Lakeland Invitational; SnoDog; and other local         races. After watching the first Canadian Challenge, she was hooked and determined to be part of the experience.  Unfortunately, she never got to do it, due to a serious injury.  Nancy runs dogs because she loves being out in the outdoors exploring the trails with some of her best friends (the dogs) - away from the stress of a busy job and modern day technology.  She really runs dogs for the pleasure of torturing and testing herself against the elements and luck.  Little does she know, how much stress on the mind and body running a dog team causes. Her lead dog, Loki (from Tomkins Kennel) has sired 4 of the 6 dogs on her team.  The mother is Nikki , a Siberian Cross.  They will pull her over the second highest point in Canada, east of the Rockies.  Her second leader, is Garlic from Walkers Kennel along with Cooper another Tomkins dog. Nancy does Pet Therapy with her dogs at Mont St. Joseph Home and does a number of school presentations each year. We wish you a safe, enjoyable trip through the beautiful Eskers - with no buffalo, moose, or wolves on the trail!!

 

RANDY SANDER, Unity  SK

Occupation:  Account Handler:  Debbie Sander Kennel:   Sander Sled Dogs Kennel Bloodlines:  Tomkins, and his own Years running dogs:  5 years Races Finished:  Candle Lake distance, SnowDog Romp, and Lakeland  Invitational Randy, his wife Debbie and his family came for a sled dog ride and went home with six dogs.  He uses dog running as a break from the office, no phone, and no people; loves working with the dogs.  He is running this race “to challenge the wilderness”. They got most of their dogs from the Tomkins, and have no real famous ones, but they are all special.  Blue is now his main leader.  Most of the dogs in his kennel  are related closely to Sam, one of Randy’s first dogs.  Happy Trails Randy! Sponsors:                  -  Randy Sander CGA Professional Corp                  - Jim’s Meat Plant                  - Sanders Financial

ROBERT UNGERER, Unity  SK

Occupation:  Clinic Manager Handler:  Debbie Sander Kennel:  Sander Sled Dogs Kennel Bloodlines:  Tomkins, and Sander Years running dogs:  3 seasons Races Finished:  Candle Lake distance, SnowDog   Romp, and Lakeland Invitational   Robert and his wife, Danél moved to Unity from Phalaborwa,South Africa.  Soon after arriving he needed job and went to work for Randy.  He made the mistake of inviting Robert for a sled ride; after that he was hooked.  This will be his first overnight race.  Robert loves animals and needed something to keep him busy during the long winter months. His goal for the race is to gain experience and finish in a decent time with as little retirements from his team as possible.  This is an opportunity to hang out with other mushers.   Sponsors:                  -  Randy Sander CGA Professional Corp                  - Jim’s Meat Plant                  - Sanders Financial

BRYTON MUNRO, Nipawin SK

Occupation:  School student Handler:  Colleen Munro Kennel:  Buckaroo Bend Kennel Bloodlines:  Tomkins, Carrier and Colby Morrison Years running dogs:  3 Races Finished:  Rookie Bryton started running dogs by helping his Dad.  He started with GT racing with his dog Jumbolina.  He wants to take this challenge to see if he can do it.  His goal is to have a good run with all his dogs making it to the finish.  We wish you will have only good experiences in your first race.

LUKE NABER,Shellbrook SK

Occupation:  Service Manager, ATV div of Naber Ford Handler:  Debi Naber Kennel:  L & D's Sled Dogs Kennel Bloodlines:  Tomkins and Sid Robinson Years running dogs:  9 Races Finished:  Canadian Challenge - 2006 6-dog - 6th;       2010 8-dog - 1st; Neckbone, Snowdog, Candle Lake,       and Lakeland Invitational. Luke got involved in dogs because of seeing pictures and hearing stories of the old trapline teams in Wallaston Lake where his father grew up.  He enjoys being out on te trail with his dogs and seeing what they are capable of.  Loves the fun of racing his dogs.  Luke entered this race to have fun and win if he can.  Luke's handler, is his wife who is excellent with the dogs, and they love her.  His outstanding dogs are Akia and Mouse who are his leaders and his big wheel dogs - Tater and Warrior.  Good Luck, Luke, enjoy the run.

JILLIAN TAYLOR, Rocky Mountain House, AB

Occupation:  Registered Nurse Handler:  Steve Taylor, her dad Kennel: Ice Haven Kennel Bloodlines:  Saunderson & Taylor Years running dogs:  Mid-distance 4 yrs, Races Finished:  Canadian Challenge - 2007  6-dog - 4th;       & 2009  8-dog - 5th; Fort St. James 2010 150 mile stage       race - 3rd  Jillian grew up with dogs, her dad sprint raced in the 1980's, and they had a tour business for 14 years.  What she enjoys most about running sled dogs is the challenge, learning something new everyday, raising, training puppies, the bond between the dogs and musher.  She entered this race to get more experience, to meet other mushers, and to have fun.  Jillian wants to finish with a strong healthy team.  Hope you enjoy this beautiful trail and have lots of fun.