It was a close race to the finish with Harmony 
Kanavle and John Barron leaving the Seeley
Lake checkpoint only a minute apart. Harmony
Kanavle arrived at the finish line at 11:55 PM
Tuesday evening. John Barron crossed the finish
line at High Country 13 minutes later. Buck Church
came in third arriving at 4:26 AM. 

Race to the Sky 2003
February 7 - 13, 2003
(Musher's Signup)

Race Background

The Race to the Sky continues to grow in its reputation as a competitive event dedicated to challenging both mushers and their teams. The Race is a challenge unequaled in the sport because it is the most mountainous trail offered in the sport of distance mushing. 

The trail traverses the Continental Divide, climbing to over 7,000 feet and borders two designated wilderness areas. There is nothing like being behind a dog team on a moonlit night, shooting stars racing by, and the only sound within range is your own.

Who are we

Montana Sled Dog, Inc., is a private, non-profit corporation licensed under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.  We are organized to commemorate the unique role Camp Rimini--the U.S. Army's War Dog Reception and Training Center played in Montana history and to preserve the historical and traditional use of sled dogs in Montana.  We do this by organizing and holding Montana's Race to the Sky each February, a 350 mile sled dog race, and by offering forums such as a yearly symposium, special events, and speaking engagements at schools.

Media Coverage

The Race to the Sky has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, Country Magazine, Montana Magazine, ESPN, CNN and 100,000 cable viewers. The expanding sport of distance mushing assures continued growth in national media coverage, participation and public recognition.

On an annual basis, the Race to the Sky generates more national media attention than any other sporting event in Montana. It has established itself as the premier competitive sporting event in the state of Montana. The race draws at least twenty to thirty teams from all over the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and the midwest. The trail is unequaled in beautiful scenery, the longest in the lower 48 states. 

The race continues to grow with its volunteer support of an army of volunteers. Many volunteers come from far away to help us. It is only through their dedication and talents that this event is possible.

Symposium/Trade Show/ Training Camp

In September, Montana Sled Dog, Inc. hosts its annual Rendezvous and Symposium. This is held to promote sport-wide education on a number of subjects of interest to mushers. It is exceptionally well-attended. We also hold a trade show and offer a training camp for rookies to Race to the Sky.

More Information

If you have questions, would like information, or wish to volunteer, please e-mail us at info@racetothesky.org or give us a call at (406) 881-2909, fax us at (406) 881-2908. Our address is: Montana Sled Dog, Inc., P.O. Box 854, Helena, MT 59624. Our new web address is http://www.racetothesky.org