The Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race

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The Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race takes place on the Gunflint Trail in Cook County, MN, and is a continuous race consisting of two legs of equal distance, separated by a mandatory layover. There are two classes in the race: a 12-dog, 100-mile race and an 8-dog, 65-mile race. The Gunflint Mail Run is in cooperation with and under a Special Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service.

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History

Dog sledding has been a part of the Gunflint Trail for years. Today it is generally thought of as racing or giving rides to tourists. The dogs are small fast animals that love to run at full speed. They follow trails through the woods and across the lakes. The very northeastern tip of Minnesota is Cook County, a land blessed with stunning beauty. We are also blessed with cold weather and snow here. It is in this land of remote beauty that dog sledding became a way of life. And it is this way of life that we celebrate with the Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race.

Watching The Race

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Please understand that in the sled dog world, all times are approximate. There are several events that are not open to spectators, including the veterinary checks and the Musher’s Meeting. Listed below are the approximate times for events for the race.

Trail Center Lodge is a great place to watch the race. It’s fun to see the blessing of the dogs and the start of the race. And it’s just as fun to see the dogs as they arrive back. If you want to see the dogs on the trail, check out the north end of the trail: check out the road crossings on the map. Great viewing is also available at Big Bear Lodge and Rockwood Lodge. Big Bear Lodge is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Rockwood Lodge is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Please note that Rockwood Lodge does not have bathroom facilities in the winter. Along with free WiFi they have an easy access to the race route.

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Here are some quick reminders for viewing the race:

• The events listed below occur at Trail Center Lodge.

• Don’t bring your own dog. Small dogs look like Scooby snacks to the race dogs. Even larger dogs can get into trouble, since the excitement of a sled-dog race can make dogs act out. We don’t want any dogs or humans injured during the course of our races.

• For those who are watching the race at the road crossings, remember that these crossings should be approached with caution, because the teams are moving very quickly. It’s more important than ever to obey all traffic laws and drive with extra caution during the races.

• Feel free to take pictures! However, please avoid using flash while the dogs are moving from their truck to the starting line, or from the starting line to their trucks, since the flash can be distracting. Also, please don’t use flash when the dogs are sleeping–they are working hard during the race and their sleep time is important.

• Please don’t pet the dogs. While most of the dogs would like it and accept it willingly, they have a race to run and the mushers want to keep them focused on that.

• Sled dog racing is an unusual sport in that spectators can be very close to the action. Please give space to the dogs as well as their mushers, their handlers, and their veterinarians.

• Be aware that loud noises and running children can all be unintentional distractions. Please respect our efforts to get our dog teams in and out of the checkpoints with as little distraction as possible.

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Race: Saturday, January 6th

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6:00 a.m. Breakfast for mushers, handlers, vets, officials and volunteers (must wear wrist band to receive food and beverage)

8:00 a.m. First 12-dog team is off!

9:00 a.m. First 8-dog team is off!

Early afternoon – teams begin arriving back at Trail Center from first course

8-dog teams have a 3 hour mandatory layover

12-dog teams have a 4 hour mandatory layover

Mid-afternoon – Eight-dog teams begin leaving for the second course

Late-afternoon – 12-dog teams begin leaving for the second course

Evening – Eight-dog teams begin arriving back at Trail Center from the second course

Late night – 12-dog teams begin arriving back at Trail Center from the second course

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Awards: Sunday, January 7th

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Early-morning – Teams continue to arrive back at Trail Center from the second course

10:00 a.m. Awards banquet for mushers, handlers, vets and officials. We are sorry we are unable to accommodate others due to space limitations at Trail Center.

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