The top 10 dog pro team, Ryan Anderson of Ray averaged about 11.5 miles per hour on the trip, taking just under 11 hours, 14 minutes to travel the 130 mile trail. The top 8 dog pro team was piloted by John Hull of Elton, Wis. (northwest of Green Bay). finishing the 60 mile trail in 4:42:35, averaging about 12.6 miles per hour.

The 38 mile Trophy Class was won by Dusty Klaven of Gheen in just under 3 hours, and the 18 mile Recreational Class was won by Forrest Penner of Dryden, Ontario (about 120 miles north of International Falls) in about 1 hour, 20 minutes.

Special awards included the musher tribute to Jamie Nelson of Togo for her generosity in training beginning mushers and their dogs, and Julie Schmelzer of Kimball, Minn. (south of St. Cloud) for having the fastest time for a Big Dog team. She finished the 6 Dog Recreational race in 10th place, traveling 18 miles in about 1 hour, 49 minutes. Big dog breeds generally include the Siberian, malemute and samoyed.

Ellen Bogardus-Szymaniak of Grand Rapids received a sportsmanship award for giving a ride to a musher who had lost her team until control of the team was regained.

The last musher in for each race was not forgotten – they each received a candle lantern.

Support from the communities which hosted the race: Squaw Lake, Northome, Effie and Marcell was strong this year, said Bergerson. Many people turned out to watch the finishes, and at Gosh Dam Place – it was “just crazy,” he said.

A wrap down meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at White Oak to review the race and make plans for next year when the race is scheduled for Friday-Sunday, Jan. 7-9. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help with the 2011 race is encouraged to attend.