Greenville sled dog race canceled

The eighth annual Plum Creek Wilderness Sled Dog Race is canceled, organizers announced Tuesday, due to unsafe trail conditions.

The Greenville event was originally scheduled for February 2 and postponed after last week’s rainfall to February 9. On Monday, the race governing board made the decision to cancel the race, after an inspection team found that trail conditions are still inadequate to safely run dog teams on the 100-mile and 30-mile race courses.

BDN photo by Bangor Diana Bowley
Volunteers assisted Martin Massicotte of Quebec in holding his sled-dog team at the start of the 100 Mile Wilderness Sled Dog Race in Greenville in 2009. Fourteen handlers and their dog teams competed in the 100-mile race and another 11 teams competed in the 30-mile race.

“The decision to cancel was made with great regret, and the race committee thanks everyone who has worked hard all year to plan and prepare for the 2013 Wilderness Race,” the press release states.

In addition to major sponsors Plum Creek and Bangor Savings Bank, host site Leisure Life Resort, and trail supporters Appalachian Mountain Club and Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club, the event is made possible each year by the support of many generous sponsoring businesses and organizations, volunteers in the community, and mushers who travel to Greenville to compete.

The race is organized by the Wilderness Sled Dog Racing Association, a Greenville non-profit. For information, visit the race website www.100milewildernessrace.org , email wildernessrace@yahoo.com , or call Bethany at Greenville Town Office at 207-695-2421.

Aislinn Sarnacki

About Aislinn Sarnacki

Aislinn is a Bangor Daily News reporter for the Outdoors pages, focusing on outdoor recreation and Maine wildlife. Visit her main blog at actoutwithaislinn.bangordailynews.com.