Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race changes route for safety reasons

 KTUU/File
KTUU/File (KTUU)
Published: Jan. 15, 2018 at 11:19 PM AKST
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On Monday afternoon, the K300 Race Committee wrote on the race's Facebook page that – for safety reasons – they will not be running the traditional route to Aniak this year.

Instead, officials say mushers will now be running two loops to Bogus Creek, stopping in Tuluksak and Bethel.

"In our 39 years, we have never had to do two laps up to our halfway point," said race manager Madelene Reichard. "There is going to be a little bit of a mental game coming back to Bethel – only realizing you are halfway done."

Reichard says the region has had a mild winter, and it's been warmer than usual leaving lots of large holes along the Kuskokwim River.

The 300 mile race organizers prefaced this decision by stating that it was not a easy decision, and it was made in the best interest of those in the race.

Even though conditions are bad Reichard says organizers never discussed cancelling it.

“It takes a lot for us to cancel something out here in the bush," said Reichard

The race is set to begin Friday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 pm.