Sled Dogs Itching for January Race in McCall, Idaho

An exciting winter event in McCall is celebrating its 6th Anniversary with a big change.

The 2024 Idaho Sled Dog Challenge Is Now a Solo Event

The Idaho Sled Dog Challenge has been a part of McCall’s Winter Carnival in years past. This year, they race at their own pace ahead of the Winter Carnival to be held at the end of February. It gives McCall a chance to have 2 separate events to bring in visitors to Valley County. Organizers are excited about the new changes since it means the Dog Race is big enough to stand on its own.

Race founder and organizer Jerry Wortley is feeling confident about the change.

"We really hit our stride last year after several years of trial and error and we've got it pretty well dialed in now. The Idaho Sled Dog Challenge showcases the remarkable partnership that's possible between humans and canines and has become one of the West Central Mountains' most iconic winter events."

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the race. It is an Iditarod and Yukon Quest qualifier that has proven to be quite a challenge for sled dog teams. This exciting 300-mile run has elevation changes of 36,000 feet. Mushers call it ‘a 500-mile race packed into 300 miles’, because of all the ups and downs.

When and Where is the 2024 Idaho Sled Dog Challenge?

January 20th, there is the Meet a Musher event with many activities and small races leading up to the Ceremonial Start slated for January 28th, and 300-mile and 100-mile races begin on the 29th.

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Anyone who may be thinking of checking out the Iditarod can try their luck with a raffle to the 2024 Idtarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It’s a guided package for two with flight tou on the Iditarod Trail, visits to checkpoints, and a chance to witness Alaskan untamed wilderness.