Sled Dog Race

The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race 2009 kicked off in Jackson on Friday night. It is the largest sled dog race in the lower 48 and features teams from all over the world with various skill levels, including one musher who has won the Iditarod 4 times and has logged over 100,000 miles on a dog sled! 

For more on the race visit www.wyomingstagestop.org

In preparation Jackson road crews trucked snow back into the town and packed it down on local streets, much to their chagrin I'm sure.

The teams were a surprising mix of breeds and ages with some teams comprised of many pups from the same litter. 

There was one constant: all the dogs were incredibly anxious to run. While waiting to start dogs barked nervously and lunged against their harnesses. You might also notice that the dogs in this photo are wearing little booties to protect their feet from sharp ice and frostbite.

Mushers were men and women alike and rode on different types of sleds. Perhaps a new career for Traci???

Teams left in 2 minute intervals with a crowd of several hundred people cheering them on in single digit temperatures.