The Pedigree Stage Stop Race began in 1996 and runs a bit differently than the mid and long distance races fans associate with the sport (thanks mostly to Iditarod and Yukon Quest) but it's its own beast. Run "similiar to how the Tour de France runs" each leg is 30-35 miles long and starts and stops each day in each town the race comes to. Wyoming has some wide open spaces perfect for sled dogs.
Due to weather issues (the race has been too cold a time or two, and they've lacked snow in more recent years) and pandemics, while the race is closing in on 40 years this season, this will be its 32nd running. A remarkable feat for any race as the sport all over North America faces numerous challenges to stay afloat.
The quickness with which the race filled up was not what had fans and mushers alike buzzing with excitment, however. Among the names of very familiar teams was one that surprised many. A name that hadn't been seen on a race roster in years (and last seen at the Pedigree as a competitor in 2008 according to the almighty Google). A name that was known for its status as champion in many races. A name who ran a kennel that won the Pedigree (with the coowner of the kennel) several times.
A name that is Doug Swingley.
Yes, that Doug Swingley.
The four-time Iditarod Champion Doug Swingley.
The musher many called the (or a) dog whisperer Doug Swingley.
The one who got out of dogs almost twenty years ago Doug Swingley.
Yes, THE Doug Swingley.
He will be lucky number seven in the Pedigree line up. Swingley's name on the roster had several mushers commenting. Even Jeff King, a Pedigree Stage Stop Champion himself, said that he might have to come out of retirement to race Doug again. (Can't be this year, the race roster is full!)
Okay, but he isn't the only one running, there is a full roster of twenty ready to run throughout Wyoming to win top honors (and a nice little $26+K check!). The race listed them in order of sign up.
2027 Stage Stop mushers
Michael Bestgen
Dennis LaBoda
Shannon Adkins
Jason Cote
Nicole Lombardi
Michael Tetzner
Doug Swingley
Liam Conner
Austin Forney
Leonie Tetzner
Bruce Magnusson
JR Anderson
Anny Malo
Sarah Tarlton
Alix Crittenden
Tim Thiessen
Sara Anderson
Stephané Roy
Kourosh Partow
Sean Hildreth
The race starts on January 29 in Jackson, WY for their Ceremonial start before continuing on to Teton County, WY and beyond.
Do you follow the Stage Stop? Who are you most excited to see? What about that Doug Swingley return? Comment with your thoughts below!
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