The fifth annual Flathead Classic Sled Dog Races are set for this weekend in Olney.
There are 48 teams ready to compete in the event, including 200 dogs in eight different race classifications. The classifications include four-dog and six-dog sled teams, skijoring and ski biking and the courses range in length with six-dog sled teams competing on an 18-mile track.
Sled Dog Race Coordinator Brett Svetlik said teams travel from all across the northwest and Canada to compete in races. He says the family-friendly event starts at 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday at the Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Center.
“Kids can interact with some of the dogs, we have food here from the Dog Creek Lodge, hot drinks, there will be a bonfire going, it’s just a good community event to come out and watch some pretty unique teams running around the course,” said Svetlik
Race officials ask visitors to leave dogs at home so ski dogs can keep their focus.