Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race this weekend

Next weekend, Feb. 25-26, the sled dogs will be taking off at Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Center, near Olney for the annual Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race.

Approximately 40 teams from the United States and Canada will be racing at the two-day event. Competitions include a six dog class, four dog class, one dog skijoring pro, one dog skijoring amateur, two dog skijor, one dog bikejor, one dog junior bikejor, two dog bikejor and a one and two dog junior sled dog.

Skijoring consists of a skier on skate skis and a hip belt being pulled by a sled dog. Bikejoring is riding a bike being pulled by a sled dog.

The event starts on Saturday at 9 a.m. with the two dog skijoring, followed by the six and four dog teams, one dog skijoring, one and two dog bikejor/fat bike race, and finishing up with a junior class. All the races continue on Sunday starting at 9 a.m.

Teams will be coming from Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, Canada and Alberta, Canada.

There will be silent auction items and each sled will be carrying two sled banners.

The public is invited to come to the race. There is limited parking at Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Center so please carpool and do leave your dogs at home.

For more information, go to www.flatheadclassic.org.