INTRODUCTION -
The MAIL RUN is the long-standing, non-competitive, participatory event that has been a hallmark of the Mail Run Event for over 15 years. It is not to be confused with the competitive STAGE RACE which is a new event in 2012 (see STAGE RACE INFO PACKAGE).
The Mail Run takes place over the same trails as the Stage Race but the distance to be covered each day is shorter and the Mail Run is open not just to dog teams but also skijorers, cross country skiers, snowshoers, kick-sledders, runners and probably any other form of self-propelled transportation capable of negotiating a packed snow trail (no pogo sticks). Participants usually participate in all three of the stages but they may also limit their participation to just one or two of the stages. Mail Run participants will be sworn in as Official Mail Carriers but they must be willing to complete all three stages if they are to carry the mail.
Final details of the trail and schedule of events will be posted on the Mail Run website by January 5, 2012
On Sunday, the Barkerville Dash is included as the final leg of that day’s stage. Participants may choose to participate in the Barkerville Dash only (see Mail Run Stages).
Everyone must register for the Mail Run by completing Registration and Waiver Forms and paying the participation fee of $60.00. All participants will receive the following participation awards: a 2012 Mail Run mug, a Certificate of Participation, a Barkerville Dash “Race for the Gold” certificate, and “Official Mail Carrier” certificate. The actual minimum purse will be announced on January 12, 2012. Payouts will be made in Cariboo Gold Bullion.
The Mail Run is suitable for dog teams of all sizes however it is important that mushers are confident that their dogs are conditioned and capable of completing the distance. If there is a chance that your dogs may be unwell, please do not bring them to the event, to ensure that no illness will be spread to other dogs. Please ensure that your animals have current vaccinations.
This year, for the first time, each day’s run will be on a looped trail, which means that everyone will start and finish at the same place, making it unnecessary to have to move your vehicle/dog truck from the start line to the finish line. The Mail Run is not a race, participants can take their time and can feel free to stop and enjoy the view.
Yes the Dash will be taking place. It will be run from Wells to Barkerville, with a great “photo-op” finish in front of the Barkerville Post Office, and the format is a little different than other years, without the frenzy of the mass start, but the event is open to dog mushers, skijorers, skiers, runners, kicksledders and snowshoers. All of the details are on the website, click on the Mail Run Tab and then the Mail Run Stages button and go to Stage Three for a description of just how the Mail Run will be organized. There is also information under the Registration tab. Remember that all participants must provide a prize that will become part of the prize pool….the “dasher” with the fastest time will get first pick and so on….everyone wins!