The next edition of the Jimmy Custer Memorial Dog Race will hit the ice of Amisk Lake next month.
This year’s race, the third such one to be organized, will take place Feb. 8-9, starting at Denare Beach and winding up a trail on the lake before doubling back toward the start area. Dog teams and the start/finish line will be found at the former Beaver Lake Day grounds near the village’s water treatment plant, just off Spruce Street.
This year’s event has already received sponsorships and support from local groups and businesses. Race co-organizer Wally Olson said feedback has been positive for previous races and looks the same again for this year.
“We’ve had positive feedback through social media and in person from surrounding communities Denare Beach, Creighton and Flin Flon,” he said.
“The president of Ma-Ma-We-Tak (Friendship Centre, in Thompson) has praised our event, volunteers and supporters, especially our community.”
The dates for this year will take place shortly before the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival in The Pas, which goes from Feb. 12-16 in and around The Pas. One of the centrepieces of the festival is the World Championship Dog Race, which runs on a much longer course around The Pas. With the Jimmy Custer race taking place just days before, Olson hopes the race will attract top mushers itching to prepare for the Trappers’ Festival race.
“We should have a good turnout this year again, as mushers from across Canada may be in and around our neck of the woods for the prestigious Trappers’ Festival race,” said Olson.
The event will start with the 10-dog team race, taking place on a 13-mile loop and starting at 11 a.m. on both days. A six-dog team race will take place at 12:30 p.m. on both days as well - both divisions will go off a two-day total time format, with the teams having the best combined finish earning for cash prizes. With a $40 entry fee, the top finishing 10-dog team will win $1,100, with prizes for all finishers ranging from first to eighth place. The top six-dog team will earn a $900 prize, with more prizes for eighth place and higher.
A single four-team race will take place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday with a free entry - first place in that race will earn a $400 prize.
Also included this year, for the first time, will be what organizers call a “pro mutt race”, pitting two dogs, even non-racing dogs or dogs from different teams, on the same team, helmed by a youth driver.
“This category is more family-oriented to add fun and to engage the younger youth/spectators into the race,” said Olson.
Olson and partner Vanessa Campbell first organized the event in 2023 as a tribute to Custer, Olson’s father, as well as a tribute to the north’s long and illustrious tradition of dog team and sled dog racing. Custer was a known dog musher and trainer who took part in races across Canada - his team of 14 dogs would run dozens of kilometres up and down Amisk Lake every winter in preparation for major races.
In the past few decades, dog races, often held in both Denare Beach and Flin Flon throughout the region’s history, were not held - the 2023 race was the first of its kind in years.
Last year’s mild winter played havoc with the event, requiring it to be postponed by weeks for colder weather. Olson said this year’s race looks positive weather-wise.
“We are very excited to continue this race. Last year was tricky with the weather, but this year it’s looking to be on schedule,” he said.
