CREDIT KATIE BASILE/ KYUK - Bristol Bay, Alaska, USA Unprecedented open water, warm weather causes K300 route change
KYUK: The Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race has taken an unprecedented turn. For the first time, the race will run two laps to its halfway point and back because of warm weather and open water. Local mushers agree that it’s the safest way to run the race, but say that it could present some challenges.
This course has been talked about in the past, but this is the first time that the decision’s been made.
“Well, it wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t unanimous," said Myron Angstman, K300 Race Committee Chairman and one of the race’s founders. “Tradition is a big thing and changing the method of competition throws things off a little bit.”
The committee came to the decision Sunday night, on an evening of 36 degree weather and rain in Bethel. Angstman says that the race will look as it never has before because, well, the river does.
“We have more open holes than normal, and the ones we have are bigger than normal,” Angstman said.
It’s causing many firsts. This is the first time that the race will double-back on itself and then repeat its course. This is the first time the race will not run through the Kalskag and Aniak checkpoints, and the first time that the race will start near H-Marker Lake.
This K300 will test dogs in a new way.
“The test now is going to be probably which team is best at overcoming the mental issue of going around the trail, resting, and getting up and going around the trail again,” Angstman said.
Passing teams head-on will also be a factor.
“The place where that’s most difficult is near Bogus," Angstman said. "There are some narrow spots there.”
The trail only crosses the river in a straight shot over the ice across from Tuluksak. Other than that, there are many shallow and well-frozen lakes, sloughs, and creeks along the route. The only open water is by beaver dams, which happens even in the coldest winters.
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