The Knik 200 Joe Redington Senior Sled Dog Race has been canceled for the second straight year due to poor trail condtions. The Knik 100 has also been canceled.
In a statement released late last week, race organizers say attempts were made after last year’s cancellation to design a route that would not rely on crossing creeks and rivers, but that it was not practical to do so. The statement says the decision to cancel is one of caution for the safety of dogs, mushers, and volunteers.
Last year, the two races were postponed before ultimately being canceled. When that decision was made, organizers said that there would not be postponements in future years. The reason given is that postponing a race causes a number of logistical and scheduling problems for all involved.
Troubles with the race’s route stem further back than the last two cancellations. In 2018, the start of the race was moved from Knik to Deshka Landing due to conditions. The statement closes by saying that organizers look to the future with hope that a solution can be found that allows the race to be run going forward.
