2010 Gold Rush Trail Dog Sled Mail Run
Eighteenth Annual Edition
January 22. 23, 24, 2010
Quesnel to Cottonwood House to Pine Grove House to Stanley to Van Winkle
to Richfield to Barkerville to Wells British Columbia
COMPLETE MAIL RUN INFORMATION PACKAGE
Introduction to the Mail Run
The Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Association invites you to join them for the 18th running of the Annual Gold Rush Trail Dog Sled Mail Run.
The Mail Run was initiated in 1993 as a demonstration sport in the Northern British Columbia Winter Games. From this modest beginning, the Mail Run evolved to a highly competitive 235 mile long qualifier for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, to a stage race event featuring six dog, eight dog and unlimited classes, to the multi-faceted non-competitive participation event that it is today.
Dog teams as small as three dogs and as large as 14 dogs are comfortable travelling over the Mail Run route. However it is important that dogs will not be asked to do something that they have not accomplished in training, dog care is a paramount consideration. The route is also suitable for skijorers, skiers, snowshoers. All participants are welcome, including families that travel together on snowmobile.
Over the years the participants have used many of the same trails and the dog teams have always carried the mail. The current trail is laid out so that participants return to the main highway at the end of each stage where handlers and dog trucks will be available to offer assistance.
The trail for 2010, while starting and finishing at the same places as it has for the past four years, will feature some positive changes that will minimize the chances of having to travel on active logging roads. Essentially the route runs 60 miles (100 kilometres) from Quesnel to Barkerville to Wells B.C., in places over the actual historic Cariboo Waggon Road. The trail will be as well maintained and groomed as mother nature and local logging will allow.
For the purposes of the Mail Run, the total route has been broken into smaller sections or stages. A map of the trail will be given to all participants upon registration and is available for download (see top of this page).
The goals of event organizers are:
- to celebrate sled dogs as wonderful working animals and to honour sled dog history and traditions.
- to encourage family fun and participation
- to ensure that participants, organizers and volunteers have a great time together
- to enjoy all that the Cariboo area of British Columbia, with its unique history, has to offer in the winter
- to encourage involvement of children and youth….there will be special recognition for all participants aged 16 and younger
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