Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race planned for Feb. 28 through March 1

Press release

Organizers are planning a sled dog race near Olney for Feb. 28 and March 1. Teams are already entering and the trails are getting unseasonal high snow coverage.

The Flathead Classic is a new nonprofit, taking the place of Flathead Sled Dog Days put on by Snow Action Sports Inc. The Flathead Classic sports great trails, beautiful scenery, dog-friendly trails and people, and a great finish to the season.

There will be several classes to choose from and the public is invited to come and cheer each team off, have some food and watch the teams finish each day. The Olney Fire Department will have food available each day as a fundraiser for the volunteer fire department.

The races start at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at mile marker 145.5 just off Highway 93 across from the Olney turn-off. The public is invited to cheer the mushers as they leave the starting chute and watch them return to the finish line — at the same place.

At 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday there will be a skijor race, both 1- and 2-dog classes, starting in Olney. This is expected to be an esciting new event.

Following Saturday's skijor race, there will be a Mutt Pull — one dog only— also in Olney. The race will have two sleds and some harnesses available to use for the event. All junior mushers should wear helmets. An awards ceremony will be held on the race site immediately after the last musher finishes.

The sled dog race will have a 12-dog class which will be 25 miles, a 6-dog class which will be 15 miles, a 4-dog class running 4 miles with separate junior and adult races, and also a 2.8 mile 1-dog skijor race or a 5.6 mile 2-dog skijor race. In addition to all this, there will be a purebred class as well.

Jack Konitz, DVM, from Big Arm will be the race veterinarian. Konitz has assisted the predecessor Flathead Sled Dog Days race providing professional veterinarian care to any team needing assistance.

Dog mushers have grown to rely on sled dog veterinarians to help with the care of their dogs ensuring a safe race and healthy dogs. They are an integral part of any dog sled race.

This race, like all events, needs volunteers and sponsors. No experience necessary for volunteers, who are guaranteed to meet other very dog-friendly volunteers. Sponsorships are still available and more volunteers are always needed.

People who want to help can contact Brett Svetlik at 406-239-0858 or go online to flatheadclassic.org to contact the race.