Fun Races

Fun Race #1

By Don Kiely, Race Director

It took several tries in the face of poor trail conditions and frigid temperatures, but we finally were able to have Fun Race #1 at Creamer’s Field. The forecast the day before called for highs in the 0 to 15 above range, but Fairbanks awoke this morning to temperatures in the low 30s, rising to almost 40 during the races. And a chilly wind, to boot. Egads! Nevertheless, we had a great turnout and everyone seems to have had a great time! We even had several first time skijor racers, all of whom crossed the finish line with a big smile.

A big thanks to the volunteers who made the race happen: Don Kiely, race director; Andy Warwick and Eleanor Wertz, timers; Matt Sprau, timing board and handler.

 Fun Race #2

By Sunnifa Deehr, Race Director

Twenty-five teams turned out for ASPA’s annual evening Fun Race #2 Wednesday night at Creamer’s Field. The trails were well groomed, the sun was shining and temperatures were warm. Sara Elzey and Kim Tinker ran the 3.6, 3-dog with times of 12:05 and 12:49 respectively. The 2-dog, 3.6 mile class was a tight race between 4 teams, but Michael Sheriff (Taiga and Clyde) nosed out the others with a time of 12:21. Bruce Miller and Roy trounced the competition in the 1-dog category running 3.6 miles in 13:21. Carol Kleckner, together with Jenny and Pixel, glided to victory in the 2.7 mile two-dog with a time of 9:53. The largest category was the 2.7 one-dog, won by Jim Herriges and Lena with a time of 12:14. The 1.4 1-dog and 2-dog were captured by Judith Levy and Sally (6:18), and Iris Sutton with puppies Enya and Lingon (5:17). Paula Ruckhaus with Sasha was the single half-mile entrant, running the upper field in 2:15.

A very big thank you to our tireless volunteers, Lisa Stuby, Sara Tabbert, Penny Parker, Chris Burrow, and Charles Deehr. All appreciated the special edible prizes provided by Tone Deehr.

Fun Race #3 and Season Finale BBQ

By Andy Warwick, Race Director

Under clear skies, thirty-four teams participated in the Alaska Skijor and Pulk Association’s final race of the 2011-2012 season at the Alaska Dog Mushers Association trails on farmers Loop. Some of the skijorers had participated in the Saturday’s 50k Sonot Kaazoot, but showed no signs of wear. In the competitive 4 mile, one dog event, Jesse Warwick bested Bruce Miller by only four seconds. In the next largest field of race competitors, the 4 mile two dog race, Jamie Johnson edged out Emile Entrikin by fifteen seconds. Other class winners were Gail Davidson in the 6.2 mile one dog , Sara Tabbert in the 6.2 mile two dog, Greg Jurek in the 4 mile three dog, Sara Elzey in the 2 mile two dog and Kimberlee Beckmen in the 1 mile one dog event.

You can find a gallery of Bud Marschner’s photos of the races and BBQ here.

LeMans Start, Top Five Finishers
(One dog only, no ski poles, mass start)

1. Nina Ruckhaus
2. Jamie Johnson
3. Bruce Miller
4. Jesse Warwick
5. Jim Herriges