The Cariboo Challenge Sled Dog Race recently received a nice Christmas present from Taseko Mines Ltd. - $5,000 cash in sponsorship.
The long-running event takes place Jan. 11-13 at the 108 Heritage Site.
Race chairperson Len Doucette says he is thrilled with the donation. This latest contribution ensures there will be sufficient funds to run this year's event and enough to cover start-up expenses for next year's race, he adds.
"This is the biggest show of support since my involvement with the race and it's very much appreciated. We've got a lot of other great sponsors too and we couldn't run the event without them."
The donation amount qualifies Taseko as a Platinum level sponsor.
Doucette says they will comfortably be able to pay out the advertised purse of between $6,000 and $10,000, and perhaps, even increase it.
"It's a big sigh of relief. This brings us very close to what most other races offer."
Competitors sign in on Friday and racing begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
There's going to be lots of excitement on the race course, with categories and prizes for four-, six- and 10-dog races, a junior class, a skijoring race and a dog weight-pull for visitors.
Doucette notes mushers love the 108 Heritage Site course, which winds around 108 and Sepa lakes, the greenbelt area, and the 108 Golf Course, because it's fast, wide and challenging.
It's a perfect venue for spectators, with much of the course visible from the staging area and many other vantage points along the way, he adds.
Folks don't have to pack a lunch because the 108 Lions Club will have a chili and hotdog concession both days. There will also be a big bonfire burning to gather around and stay warm.
The event is geared to be spectator-friendly, with mushers happy to answer questions and allow visits with their dogs between races. Doucette just asks people who bring their own dogs along, to have them on a leash at all times.
Saturday evening features the "Meet the Mushers" dinner and auction at The Hills Health Ranch, with reservations being taken by calling The Hills at 250-791-5225. Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for children 12 years and under. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 6:30.
Racing follows the same format on Sunday and each day is expected to wrap up between 2 and 3 p.m.
Race registration will be taken until Jan. 5 and forms can be found on the Internet at www.cariboochallengedogsledrace.com.
Entries can be faxed, mailed or people can register by phone by calling The Hills. Fax and mail information is on the forms.
Sign-up for the weight-pull on Saturday and Sunday will be done each day prior to the events.