Arctic Barents race
An international dog sledge races – Arctic Barents Race – finished in Murmansk. Next year the race is expected to be the longest dog sledge race in the world.
During six days dog sledge drivers from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia were competing with each other. Those are world-famous dog riders who took part in races in Canada, Alaska and Chukotka.
–This contest is a pilot one, sort of a test race, – says Sigfred Giskegerde, international coordinator of Arctic Barents Race. Many people didn’t believe that we would succeed. The main objective of the pilot race 2009 was to show that Russian side is able to host such large scale races; also we wanted to work out Border Crossing Mechanisms, to comply with the requirements of customs and veterinary control, to ensure safety and provide technical efficiency of the route as well as necessary infrastructure.
The project worked out, everything went well. Moreover for the first time the Russian border was crossed by people in dog sledges! As a rule, dogs just like people must cross the border being in a transport vehicle. But this time it was en exception: the race organizers were given permission to mark this memorable moment with engaging sliding of dog sledges between two pillars: ”Russia” and “Norway”.
Arctic Barents Race was done in several stages. Having started in Norway after a 650 km distance, the race participants this weekend came to Murmansk where there was a great number of people awaiting. Apart from this there was organized an entertaining program including national Saami games and amusement rides.
The awarding ceremony took place in Cozy Valley (Dolina Uyuta). The 1st place winner became Robert Sørlie, an experienced dog sledge driver from Norway, who participated in many races and was the winner of one of the most prestigious races in Alaska.
The Murmansk mayor – Sergey Subbotin – was also present at the ceremony. He could not help trying a ride on a dog sledge of Nikolay Ettyne, Chukotka driver competing for Russia.
Next year Arctic Barents Race starts in Murmansk. Expectations are impressive: a 25 day race, 3000 km, 4 countries, 25 professionals, 350 dogs and an entry in Guinness Book of World Records!