Knik 200 poised to make return

KNIK — It’s turning to be a much better start to the New Year for those involved with the Knik 200 Joe Redington Sr. Memorial Sled Dog Race.

Unseasonably warm winter temperatures forced organizers to nix the 2013 run.

But all is good in 2014. There’s a new route, a loaded field, good trail conditions and a renewed enthusiasm for the annual event.

“We’re really excited about it,” race manager Robert Sexton said Thursday afternoon, as he fielded reports from volunteers staking the trail.

All the reports, Sexton said, have been excellent.

“As far as what’s being reported, everything is looking good,” Sexton said.

The trail also features a new twist to the Knik 200. The race will start on Knik Lake, as usual. But instead of leading teams toward Skwetna, the new course takes mushers to the Eagle Quest checkpoint near Willow. There is also a 100-mile event that coincides with the 200. Teams in the 100-mile race will take the mandatory six-hour layover at Eagle Quest. Teams in the 200-mile race will be flagged through Eagle Quest and head toward Yentna Station Roadhouse, the new halfway point of the Knik 200.

Teams in the 200 will spend their layover at Yentna before turning around to head back through Eagle Quest to the start.

Sexton said organizers are also excited about the field. Four-time Iditarod champion Jeff King recently entered the 100-mile race, Sexton said. Hugh Neff and Jake Berkowitz are among notable names in the 200-mile race.

Both the 100 and 200-mile races are slated to start Saturday at 11 a.m. on Knik Lake, located at Mile 14 of Knik-Goose Bay Road.

For more, see knik200sleddograce.com.

Contact Jeremiah Bartz at 352-2273 or sports@frontiersman.com.