Mitch Seavey "takes his hat off (quickly)" to Copper Basin Finishers

Mitch Seavey was the latest musher to take to Facebook following his scratch from the Copper Basin 300. Temperatures averaged in the -40s all weekend on the trail, and reports had the second checkpoint on the trail hovering at -60. While 13 teams have managed to make it to the Chistochina checkpoint - the final stop before the finish - 15 teams so far have scratched. Seven teams are still racing, six have come into the finish.


"It was -44 F. at the start of the Copper Basin Sled Dog Race," Mitch wrote. "At the first checkpoint, 75 miles into the race, it was -52 and -60 at Sourdough, the next checkpoint. We (Hal Hanson with second team) scratched from the race out of concern for frostbite to the dogs. Personally, I was quite comfortable, considering the temperature. I’ve been experimenting with some new gear and called it a success, especially heated insoles in my boots! Using contact lenses for the first time avoided frozen glasses – another plus."
Several teams chose to scratch at Point Lake after hearing reports of the temperatures dropping so low, including Iditarod and Quest veteran Michelle Phillips. 
Mitch continued, "Caring for dogs in cold temperatures is a challenge. Booties, coats, leggings, male wraps, flank protectors and more are deployed. As long as the team keeps eating well, cold temperatures are manageable, unless something goes awry, such as a wrap or protector getting dislodged, urine-soaked or snow-filled. Then a problem can develop quickly.
Cold can also be depressing to the dogs. More than ever, they rely on their musher to set a positive tone and mood, and as long as we project joy and optimism, they will join in the festivities. But extreme cold can be depressing to humans, too."
Weather, and especially temperatures are always a huge factor in races. Mushers have to take into account what their dogs are capable of, and what they're prepared for. 
"The first time I won the Copper Basin Race was in 1997. Warm temperatures as high as 48 F. stopped teams as they waited for cooler evening temperatures. I kept going, developed a big lead, and won the race. I was criticized and even dissed by the race marshal at the finisher’s banquet for running when it was, “too hot” and for taking a “big risk.”
I shrugged. “Apparently, it wasn’t too hot,” I said flatly, as I took the check and sat down. Today, 50 F. is a common cut-off temperature for teams doing long runs, especially in fall training."
Ultimately, Mitch chose to do what was best for his team on the day of decision. That does not mean it was the right decision for another team.
He concluded, "Techniques, gear, experience and even the dogs themselves continue to improve as the years go by and conquering extremes is at the heart of sports. At 60 below my hat’s off (and back on quickly) to the teams who reached their goals in the 2020 Copper Basin. If I’d been carrying the diphtheria serum to Nome, I would have gone on. But geesh, I was just hoping for a nice training run! Congratulations finishers."
Hal Hanson's next race will be the Willow 300 on January 30. Mitch Seavey's next race will be the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race set for March 7.