The calendar for early season dog sled races in south central had been a challenge for mushers for much of the fall. Three dog sled races had been scheduled for the same weekend. But, at the urging of mushers and the support of volunteers, race organizers were able to alter their schedules to make each of the three-races on different weekends.

The registration for the Don Bowers Memorial Sled Dog race has filled up, and organizers have started a wait-list for the 200- and 300-mile race which takes place at the end of January, 2013. The field of 40 mushers will Start in Willow on Friday, January 18th, and make the trip to Trapper Creek, returning to Deshka Landing, where the 200 mile race will finish. Teams running the 300 mile race will return to trapper creek. (more…)

The Denali Nordic Ski Trails with help from the Borough, has been planning future ski trails in the Talkeetna Lakes Park for a number of years.  The next step in the Borough park plan is underway and it means creating new loop ski trails.  The Park will be closed for a day in order for equipment to work on the new trail system.

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In a thrilling end to a long weekend at the annual softball tournament in downtown Talkeetna, the Mandigos took the Spurs by surprise in a huge comeback win.

The annual slow pitch, double elimination tournament brought in a dozen teams and perhaps close to 200 people, both competing and watching the tournament play throughout the weekend.  The weather was a complete opposite of last year and allowed teams to compete without rain for the entire 3 days. (more…)

Chase residents will have an opportunity to address their questions about parking at the Chase trailhead this coming Saturday at a Borough sponsored meeting in Talkeetna.

Two separate discussions will take place that day: one on parking issues and accommodation of vehicles around the Talkeetna Village Park AND a discussion of proposed trail improvements in the non-motorized, Borough-owned Talkeetna Lakes Park. (more…)

The Alaska Trails has organized a weekend event in April to bring together trail users of all types for classes on trail building, grant writing and a dozen other topics. Deadline for early registration is April 1st.

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This year’s Oosik Classic Ski race attracted hundreds of people of all ages. A new addition to the race was created this year to attract even the smallest of skiers.  Talkeetna’s Junior Nordic ski club created a 5K tour for younger skiers. (more…)

The Finish Line – Gerald Sousa and his team come into Nome along Front Street in 38th place. photo courtesy of Diana Haecker

The 39th Iditarod came to a close Sunday evening with the Iditarod banquet.  Both Talkeetna mushers came into Nome over the weekend, in 38th and 46th place respectively.

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RACE DAY – The Oosik attracts skiers from across Alaska to Talkeetna for a fine day of skiing photo courtesy of Doug Gualtieri

It might have been hard to convince Oosik race/tour organizers that 510 people would register for the nordic event on Saturday.  The event squeezed racers into the 25K and 50K tour.  See the link for race results.   Also check back here later for race photos to be added.

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race results word document race results as spreadsheet

Ramey Smith, 2nd place finisher, also broke speed record. Photo by Diana Haecker

Past Iditarod musher Mark Wildermuth gives us his final Iditarod update. This coverage originally aired on KTNA, Talkeetna on Wednesday, March 16th at 6:25pm.

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