Northern Pines Dog Sled Race Coming Up This Weekend

IRON RIVER, Wis.– After having to cancel last year, the dogs are let out for the Northern Pines Dog Sled Race.

Officials said the fate of this year’s race was a nail biter because of the uncertainty with the weather.

But tomorrow, the course is set for 4 seperate classes to compete.

The Northern Pines Dog Sled Race caters to both beginner and experienced mushers.

Racers will weave through trails, hardwoods around the Northern Pines Golf Course.

“So, a lot of people like to come here because we stagger our races. So, the parents can run in one, and their kids can run in another at a different time so they can help them. Or mushers can run in two events. It’s a little different format from most. So again, community, encouraging the youth to keep the heritage of sled dog sports alive,” said Rob Lombard, a race chairman and race marshal.

And for one of the mushers racing this weekend, she’s kept the dog sled sport alive since birth.

But bonding with the dogs is her favorite part.

“I mainly like it because of the dogs. Each dog is, they’re like people. Each one has a different personality a different look to them. Alaskan huskies are mutt breeds so that’s why they have different shapes and colors. But they’re like family to me,” beamed Talia Martens, a longtime dog musher.

Martens will race alongside 54 other mushers this year.

The Northern Pines Dog Sled Race is free to attend.

Typically, they see around 2-thousand spectators.