Anchorage, Alaska, February 25th 2008. Bericht von unserer Medienpartnerin Sara Francis, Offizierin und Journalistin der U.S. Küstenwache ...
Teams aus vielen Bundesstaaten
The Mushers came from around the state of Alaska and across North America for a shot at a Fur Rondy win. Rondy organizers have ultimately left the decision of whether or not to run the race up to its participants. Snow was brought into the downtown area by truck. Five rookie racers were on the trail for their first time. Nineteen were scheduled to participate big Rondy win, which includes a $50,000 purse. Checking the trail's conditions gave them a change to scope out slippery spots and steep slopes -- anything that could pose a problem for dogs.
Schnee mit Lkw ins Stadtzentrum gebracht
The thinnest part and muddiest part of the trail was just past the Tudor Road Bridge, where the trail runs right through a construction site. Alaska sled dog race officials dumped extra snow on the barely-covered Tudor Bridge. Race officials said that hard packed snow was groomed overnight and then ice covered, making the trail as smooth as possible, given the conditions. The race was divided into three separate heats, which begin Friday and last through Sunday. The race began at noon at the Fourth Avenue and D Street intersection down town.
Bis zu 20 Hunde pro Gespann - "Alaskan Husky" = spezielle Mischlinge
Many mushers ran strings of 16 – 20 dogs. Once the first race begins dogs can be taken out of the running but no more can be added to the team. Handlers use a paint splotch on the hind leg or back to tell which dogs are being run and which are not. The mushers participating keep kennels of anywhere from 20 – almost 200 dogs! First time spectators may be struck by the absence of the classic Siberian Husky. The Siberian can pull a tremendous amount of weight. They are very strong dogs but they lack speed. The dog of choice for racing is the German Pointer or a similar mix. The Alaskan Husky is a lithe, energetic, medium-sized animal. Because they are a mixed breed they are not a formally recognized breed.
These dogs were ready to run. A snowmobile and Anchorage firefighters were used to hold the sled back at the start line and keep the dogs from starting prematurely. Three to five handlers stood along the ranks to keep the dogs in line.
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Sara`s Northern Collection
