Anchorage, AK, USA–Chugiak Dog Mushers is bringing Dryland mushing back to South Central Alaska. The Specialty Supply Dryland Derby will be held on the sled dog trails at Beach Lake in Chugiak on Saturday September 30 and Sunday October 1, 2023. For almost a decade, the volunteer-led Chugiak Dog Mushers has been putting on the Dryland races and was the first dog mushing club in Alaska to host such an event. 

The beauty of dryland racing is that there is no need for snow or a sled! Racers compete with bikes (bikejoring), scooters, rigs, or on foot (Canicross) for a total of six classes. This is a very popular race with competitors coming to Chugiak from all over the state, with distance, sprint, recreational and pet dogs. “A great event to come and watch as competitors race with bikes, scooters, rigs or just running with their canine friends,” says club president, Deanna Kehoe-Partow.

This year the race has the largest purse in its history, at $5000 with the help of the title sponsor, Specialty Supply and the Alaska Lotto. Prizes will be paid out to the top-finishing teams in all of the classes. 

Dryland mushing is one of the fastest growing segments in dog sports. “With the changing climate and snow coming later in most years, it was only right that we started a dryland event here in Alaska,” states Robert Forto a musher from Willow, Alaska and the host of the popular podcast, Mushing. “In my opinion this is the future of the sport and we were right to embrace it. On our podcast we talk to dog drivers all over the world and by far this is where the sport is trending, and this segment of the sport can be participated by all. You don’t need a kennel of dogs. You can compete effectively with just a couple of canine athletes,” states Forto. 

About Chugiak Dog Mushers Association 

The Chugiak Dog Mushers Association promotes the sport of dog mushing with emphasis ​on care, training, and responsible breeding of sled dogs.  Our membership covers the full range of sled dog enthusiasts – from armchair mushers to junior, recreational, and competitive racing teams.  Our trails and activities are vital to the sport of dog mushing in southcentral Alaska. ​

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 Media Contact for Robert Forto and First Paw Media:

Michele Forto

Firstpawmedia ( @) gmail.com

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