'It feels like this is the right time': Su Dog 300 to make inaugural run in Willow

Willow is home to many world-class sled dog teams, and is called the “Dog Mushing Capitol of the World,” so it is only fitting that the community hosts its own Iditarod qualifier and this year, the Su Dog 300 is making its inaugural run as a qualifying race leading up to the Iditarod during the Willow Winter Carnival on January 25.

“Willow is the ideal area. It’s an amazing mushing area that people come to from around the dog mushing world,” says Tre-C Dumais, Chairperson for the Su Dog 300. “It feels like this is the right time. This was how things work-the right time, the right place, and the right people to have a new race.”

The Su Dog 300 is filling in the void from the Willow 300, but as Dumais says, there will be a different vibe for this race.

“The idea is to re-kindle the race, but we want this race to be about community, mentorship, and fun.” Dumais says that mentorship is an important element, as some board members have been involved with dog mushing for decades while others have not, but bring other experiences to the race. For the race, there are some of the more experienced mushers working with newer mushers.

The dog mushing community seems eager for this new race as Dumais explains that within one hour of applications opening up, all of the slots were filled. “It’s crazy how it all came together.”

She says that the race route is being finalized, but will start and end in Willow, barring any drastic issue arising. The 300-mile course will crisscross the upper Susitna Valley, including Thunder Valley, Sheep Creek Lodge, Trapper Creek, and Three Forks. As to whether recent weather patterns and changes in snow amounts will impact the trails, Dumais says that the trails appear to be in great shape, but they are also watching them closely,

“We have a full cadre of volunteer race trail breakers that have been out for months plotting the best courses and constantly navigating in case changes need to be made to the trail plans.”

Most legs will be between 40 and 50 miles, but at least two will be 75 plus, providing a great opportunity for teams to camp.

As mushers traverse the course, fans can follow along via live sled tracking devices on the website. Racers are expected to cross the finish line at the Willow Community Center January 27, where the celebration will continue as organizers are also hosting the Soup Dog soup contest.

Another aspect of this race that makes it different is in lieu of a large cash prize for top placing teams, the Su Dog organizers has amassed a number of amazing prizes for every finisher, with the idea being that it will help foster camaraderie and mentorship among the racers.

The Su Dog 300 Sled Dog Race will kick off with a Start Line Party for the inaugural race on Saturday, January 25 before the 25 teams take off at the Willow Community Center.

For more information about the race and the Soup Dog, please visit www.sudog300.org