RECORD numbers of teams will compete in the annual Dinner Plain Sled Dog Challenge at Mount Hotham in August.
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Now in its 24th year, the sled dog race was the first Australian snow-based race of its kind.
More than 80 mushers (dog team drivers) and 350 sled dogs will compete on August 12 and 13 in the sprint classes and the eight-dog team class.
Altitude 5000 Sled Dog Group founders and challenge coordinators Sue Simmons and Robert Stevens have welcomed the ever-growing popularity of the sport throughout Australia.
Ms Simmons said the sport’s profile had increased in size and stature each year.
“In 1994 there were only 14 competitors on snow,” she said.
“With the addition of the Touring Class event, larger teams of six dogs and now the inclusion of a thrilling eight-dog class there are a lot more challenges and excitement, generating an ever-increasing number of mushers.
“Last year was fairly stable with 83 individual sled dog teams however this year we have experienced a much greater interest and therefore expect numbers to be up on previous years.”
This year’s Dinner Plain Sled Dog Challenge has attracted offshore interest, namely from Queenstown in New Zealand.
Mr Stevens said the eight-dog team class was a relatively new addition to Australian snow races.
“From a spectator’s perspective, just to see the awesome pulling power of the eight-dog teams is a thrilling round-up to the weekend’s event and should not be missed,” he said.