We have a brand new race in Alaska this year. Filling a spot that is very much needed, another three hundred mile race in the MatSu area. You could even think that this race is filling the gap left open when the Willow 300 imploded two years ago. Many teams missed the Willow, and it made qualifying for the bigger races that much harder.
The Su Dog is not just filling a need, it's also making strides to be a more inclusive and positive race. The race's goal is to make it fun and more inviting for newer mushers who are just starting in the mid-distance racing scene as well as bringing in veteran teams. The idea is that this will build a community, where mushers can mentor and encourage one another.
Another really interesting twist is - there is no prize money. There are prize packages - the site lists items like chainsaws, dog food, etc - but the hope is without prize money this will further encourage the teams to be friendly and helpful and "less competitive" minded. It's a similar attitude and vibe as the T-Dog race that had it's first race last season.
Even with the Su Dog originally scheduled to happen the same weekend as the extremely popular Kuskokwim 300 (which was postponed to February 7), the Su Dog's roster filled up almost immediately. With the race being on the road system and taking place in "sled dog central" it is very accessible by smaller kennels or kennel handlers. The trail has had to be rerouted from the original plan due to weather, and the roster has switched quite a bit with lack of training being cited by many of those that dropped out - however their slots were quickly snatched up but other mushers and they still have a waiting list!
With cooler temps showing up the week before the start, all things are now for sure a go.
So let's take a look at who is signed up, as always once the starting order is finalized the list will be edited to include bib numbers and any other roster changes.
Musher Roster
*Roster as of January 21, 2025 at 9:30pm
In the spirit of the race, we won't be looking at which teams to watch "for the win", because we really should focus on following and cheering on each team as they accomplish the inaugural Su Dog 300 race.
The Su Dog 300 has many of the traditional rules of sled dog races, but they've partnered with
Light Up the Lead Dogs to make sure all teams are visible out on the trails. They have several rules about how sleds and dogs will wear reflective tape and lights so as to be seen. The race states that the trails are shared by many snow machines and for the safety of all involved the rules are needed.
Rules:
10. Lighted collars on lead dogs during all twilight and dark hours except within checkpoints.
11. A minimum of 12 inches of reflective tape/material on the back of the musher’s outerwear.
12. A minimum of 12 inches of reflective tape/material on each of the following areas of the sled bag: both sides, front, and back.
13. Properly fitted, non-chafing dog harnesses worn by each dog on the gangline, with a minimum of 3 inches of reflective tape/material on each side of harness.
Light up the Lead Dogs is a program that was created last year after a series of incidents involving sled dog teams and snow machines saw dogs be injured and killed. While those teams did all they could at the time to be seen, it was deemed that more should be done. If the drivers of these incidents were going to say they couldn't see them/weren't responsible, it was time to change things up. Thus LULD was born from one woman's heart to do more.
So, while those out on the trails will be able to see and hopefully stop and watch the teams - how can those of us who are "armchair mushers" follow the race?
How to Watch
Official WebsiteThe best place to learn about all things SuDog is
the official website. It is well produced, with fun colors, and a lot of information. You will find race rules, musher bios, and other wonderful tidbits.
Social MediaThe race is quite active
on their Facebook page, using the platform to keep fans and mushers alike informed on all the race news leading up to the start. Any changes, or extra info can be found on their page. They also have
an Instagram page that should get a little more active once photos of the weekend are posted.
GPS Tracking
The race's website does say that there will be trackers and to check back on race day to follow along. Chances are they are using trackleaders.com and so once that link goes live it will be shared on this post.
Live Feeds
Kale Casey confirmed that he will be at the SuDog to film the start live and follow the race as much as possible. To follow Kale's feeds you'll need to be able to
watch via Facebook where he goes live. He also posts videos/replays on his youtube channel, but those can pop up many hours later. It wouldn't be surprising to also see the race go live on their own social media platforms (which are linked above).
Schedule of Events
January 25, 2025
[Vet checks by appointment]
11am - Musher Meeting
[Vet checks by appointment]
2pm - RACE START
[Finishes throughout the day]
January 28, 2025
6pm - Closing ceremony/awards dinner
Are you excited for this new race? Thoughts on the Su Dog 300? Share in the comments below!
And, as always, you can Buy me a slice of pizza to help keep the blog up and running. It's always appreciated but never expected.
