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Don Bowers Memorial 200/300 Sled Dog Race
Objective: This race is organized “by mushers for mushers”. It is not a money race and the purse will be minimal. Checkpoints are located on the road system for ease of logistics and to maximize dog care and safety. The race is intended to provide experience for beginning mushers and to be an enjoyable run for more experienced drivers. The race is open to anyone 18 years or older.
Description: The race will consist of two simultaneously run events. Both events begin and end in Willow, Alaska. Mushers cannot change from one event to the other after the mushers’ meeting. Only one musher will be permitted per team and that musher will complete the entire race with that team only. The start will be at Willow Community Center on Willow Lake and will finish at Pioneer Lodge or elsewhere as the race manager may designate.
This preamble was written by the late Don Bowers and remains unchanged.
OFFICIAL RULES
1. DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION
This document is organized into two parts: the first states the general rules governing any race under the “Don Bowers” banner. A second supplement describes the course, checkpoints and any variations and additions to the rules that apply to the running of the race in any one specific year.
2. DESCRIPTION
The 200 mile event will begin and end at Willow. At least one checkpoint will require a mandatory .
The 300 mile event will be identical with the exception of an additional 100 mile prior to the return to Willow Community Center. Each musher must complete two mandatory layovers (including the one for the 200 mile race).
3. GENERAL RULES
Upon approval by the ITC and the YQ Rules Committee the 200 and 300 mile events will count as qualifiers for those races respectively, if completed within the applicable time and general rules criteria established by those respective races.
3.1. Race Procedure
3.1.1. Start
Unless conditions dictate otherwise, The official start of both events will be at the Willow Community Center. The 200 mile event will start at noon followed immediately by the 300 mile event. Each event will be timed separately. Starting differential time will be adjusted at the first mandatory layover.
3.1.2. Entry Fee
FIXME
200 Mile $200 300 Mile $300
Entry fees accepted are refundable until the start of the mushers meeting. To avoid late charges, entry fees should be received two weeks prior to the start of the race.
3.1.3. Purse
The purse for the 200-mile event and the 300-mile event will be not less than 50% of the entry fees received for each event.
Any monies made available for the purse over and above the entry fees will be divided between the events as determined by the race committee taking into account the length of the events and the number of mushers in each.
See the Supplement for Purse Eligibility.
3.1.4. Musher’s Meeting, Drawing, and Late Start
A Musher’s Meeting and drawing will be held at the date and time indicated in the Supplement. Mushers not present for the meeting or for the drawing may start after all other teams have left the starting line. In that eventuality, the dogs of late entrants must be examined by the race vet and the musher must be briefed on rules and trail by the race marshal or a judge before being allowed to start. A substitution of drivers between the mushers meeting and the start may be made by informing the race marshal.
3.1.5. Shipping of Food and Gear
Mushers are responsible for the delivery of their food bags and straw to each checkpoint. For mushers without vehicle support, the race committee will transport food and straw from Willow to the checkpoints at a nominal cost. Food bags and straw must be clearly marked with the musher’s name. Mushers may share or re-use straw at a checkpoint with the approval of a race official. The goal is to ensure that all dogs have adequate straw at each checkpoint. No limit on straw. Food bags should be limited to 60 lbs. each for ease of handling.
3.1.6. Dog Limits
Only “Northern” breeds are acceptable. Mushers must start with no more than 16 and no less than 8 dogs, and must finish with no fewer than 5 dogs in harness and on the tow line. No dog may be added to the team after the start of the event. All dogs will be either in the team or in the sled.
3.1.7. Pre-race Veterinary exam
All dogs entered in the race must have valid rabies vaccinations current through the duration of the race. Rabies certificates will be checked either at the drivers meeting or at the vet check. Depending upon the number of teams entered, and the order of the draw, the race marshal will announce at the drivers meeting, what time mushers need to be at the starting area for their vet check.
3.1.8. Medical Jurisdiction
Dogs are under the medical jurisdiction of the race veterinarian from the time they enter the staging area prior to the start until the team finishes, scratches, is withdrawn from the race, or in the case of dropped dogs, are released to the custody of a handler.
3.1.9. Dog Care
A musher will be removed from the race if in the judgment of the race veterinarian/race officials the musher displays an unwillingness or inability to maintain and care for dogs in a reasonable manner. Any whips are prohibited. All water and food must be ingested voluntarily.
3.1.10. Drug use
No injectable, oral or topical drug which may suppress signs of illness or injury may be used. A musher may not inject any substance into their dogs. No other drugs or artificial means may be used to drive a dog or cause a dog to perform or attempt to perform beyond its natural ability. The following drugs are prohibited—
- Anabolic Steroids
- Analgesics (prescriptive and non-prescriptive)
- Anesthetics
- Antihistamines
- Anti-inflammatory drugs including but not limited to:
- Cortico-steroids (the exception is for use on feet)
- Antiprostaglandins
- Non-steroidals
- Salicylates
- DMSO
- Bronchodilators
- Central Nervous System Stimulants
- Cough Suppressants
- Diuretics
- Injectable anticolinegic
- Muscle Relaxants
- Tranquilizers & Opiates
Mibolerone (Cheque Drops) is permitted for use as an estrus suppressant in intact females that have not had an ovariohysterectomy. Megesterol acetate (Ovaban) is permitted for use of estrus suppression and medical conditions for which progesterone therapy is appropriate.
The practice of blood doping, i.e., injection of whole blood, packed blood cells or blood substitutes is prohibited.
Race veterinarians may utilize any of the listed drugs or other prohibited drugs necessary to maintain a dog’s health, however, such dogs will be withdrawn from the race.
The use of local or general anesthetics will not be allowed in any form unless the dog is withdrawn from the race. Personal prescriptions written for and carried by the mushers may not be used on the dogs.
3.1.11. Expired Dog
A dog that expires during the race must be taken, undercover, by the musher to the next checkpoint or checkpoint just passed. The musher may not depart that checkpoint unless or until cleared to do so by the race veterinarian/ race marshal. If the musher is found to be at fault due to negligence or cruel or inhumane treatment he/she will be disqualified.
3.1.12. Race Officials
The race marshal and judges are responsible for the enforcement of rules and policies. Race officials will consult with the veterinarian on matters pertaining to dog care and treatment. In addition to specific penalties outlined previously, the race marshal and race judges will use their best judgment to determine penalties for infractions not specifically covered under the rules.
3.1.13. Competitiveness
The race marshal has the authority to withdraw a team that is no longer making or capable of a valid effort to compete. The race marshal also has the authority to withdraw a musher whose conduct, in the race Marshall’s judgment, constitutes a risk to either him/her self, his/her dogs, the dogs of other mushers, or other persons.
3.1.14. Scratched Mushers
A musher scratching, disqualified, or withdrawn from the race is responsible for the transportation of his/her dogs and gear off the trail. Mushers must inform race officials if they scratch.
3.1.15. Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Use of illegal drugs as defined by state
3.1.16. Killing of Game Animals
In the event that an edible big game animal i.e, moose is killed in defense of life or property the musher must gut the animal and report the incident to a race official at the next checkpoint. With respect to safety, following teams are encouraged to help if possible.
3.1.17. Litter
Mushers are ultimately responsible for their litter at and between checkpoints. Mushers must bag their trash before leaving a checkpoint. Handlers may take the trash bag to their truck or otherwise dispose of it at the checkers direction. Handlers may clean up straw after the musher has departed. Straw will be disposed of per the checkers direction at each checkpoint. If quantities of booties or trash left on the trail are identifiable with a particular musher he/she will be penalized or disqualified.
3.2. Trail Procedure
3.2.1. Sled
Mushers may use any customary type sled with a brake, capable of safely hauling an injured or fatigued dog under cover, in addition to the mandatory equipment. A sled damaged beyond reasonably safe driveability may be replaced with a possible time penalty imposed.
3.2.2. Checkpoints & Mandatory stops
A musher must sign in and out of each checkpoint before continuing. A musher leaving a checkpoint prior to completing a mandatory layover will be considered not to have taken the layover. A musher who arrives at a checkpoint without having signed out of the previous checkpoint will receive a time penalty of not less than one hour, to be added at the next mandatory layover or at the finish line. A driver and team may return to a checkpoint to sign out without penalty.
3.2.3. Harness and Cables
Dogs must leave checkpoints with functional, non-chafing harnesses. A musher must carry cable tie-out lines or use cable center towline capable of securing the team. A spare snow hook or similar device sufficient to anchor the front of the team in rest areas is recommended. A musher is responsible for his/her dogs at all times. Biters and fighters are best left at home.
3.2.4. Mandatory items
A musher must have with him/her at all times the following items—
- Proper cold weather sleeping bag weighing a minimum of 5 lbs. Ax, head to weigh a minimum of 1 3/4 lbs., handle to be at least 22″
- One pair of snowshoes with bindings, each snowshoe to be at least 252 square inches in size.
- Eight booties for each dog in the sled or in use.
- One operational cooker and pot capable of boiling at least three (3) gallons of water.
- Sufficient cable tie-out lines to secure any dropped dogs until such time as collected by handlers or otherwise returned to the musher;
Gear will be checked at the finish and start line and may be checked at any en-route checkpoints.
3.2.5. Food and Gear at Checkpoints
A musher’s personal gear, equipment and supplies may not be transported along the trail by mechanized means without the consent of the race marshal. Dog food and supplies must remain at the checkpoint storage area until the musher is officially signed in. Unused food and gear remain the property of the musher. A musher may replace lost food shipments at checkpoints through whatever methods are available.
3.2.6. Parking
A campsite and/or fire must be off the trail far enough so as not to impede succeeding teams. No feeding on the trail. Teams must be parked in designated holding areas in checkpoints in a manner to least interfere with the movement of other teams or mushers
3.2.7. Accommodations
Checkpoints may have designated sleeping areas. However, mushers are encouraged to sleep in their sleds or in the straw with their dog for the experience and dog security. A musher may not make demands for food and shelter along the trail.
3.2.8. Outside assistance
Unless otherwise stated as exceptions within these rules, no person other than a teams driver may feed, water, tend, or handle the dogs of that team. Mushers may not leave the checkpoint or go to their vehicle without the express permission of a race official. In so doing, mushers do not abdicate responsibility for their dogs or their dogs behavior. Handlers may be proximate to teams only if accompanied by the musher unless specifically permitted by the checker
3.2.9. Unmanageable teams
A musher may have help to control an unmanageable or tangled team.
3.2.10. Driverless team
A driverless team or loose dog may be stopped and secured by anyone. A lost team will not be disqualified if the driver regains control of it, provided that the team and driver complete the entire trail and comply with the rules including checkpoint requirements. As long as the team and driver continue on the trail when separated, the driver may remain in the race when regaining control. A driver may receive assistance from another musher in recovering his/her team. A driver may receive assistance from a motorized vehicle to regain control of a lost team as long as the driver and team return to the point at which the team was lost and continue the race from that point. The incident must be reported at the next checkpoint.
3.2.11. Motorized Vehicles
A musher may not be accompanied by (Pacing) or accept assistance from any motorized vehicle except in recovering a
3.2.12. Teams Tied Together
Two or more teams may not be tied together except in an emergency. Any team so involved must notify officials at the next checkpoint.
3.2.13. Injured, Fatigued, or Sick Dogs
Dogs may be dropped only at designated checkpoints. Except: In the event of a life threatening injury between checkpoints a dog may be handed off to a responsible party for the express purpose of obtaining emergency veterinary care. The musher must advise the race marshal at the next checkpoint of the details and circumstances. He/she may not proceed until all requirements regarding accountability for that dog are satisfied. There may or may not be a time penalty involved. A dog coming into a checkpoint in the sled may remain in the race if it is fit to leave the checkpoint in harness. Mushers are personally responsible for their dropped dogs. Checkers must be notified of all dropped dogs. Dropped dogs will not be of the race marshal or race judge.
3.2.14. Hauling Dogs
A musher may not allow any of his/her dogs to be hauled by another team. Dogs must be hauled in a secure, undercover, and humane manner. Switching of dogs between teams is prohibited.
3.2.15. Passing
When one team approaches within fifty ( 50 ) feet of another team, the team behind shall have the immediate right of way upon demand. The musher ahead must stop the dogs and hold them to the best of his/her ability for a maximum of one minute or until the other team has passed, whichever occurs first. The passed team must remain behind at ( 15 ) minutes before demanding the trail.09
3.2.16. Interference
A musher may not tamper with another musher’s dogs, food or gear or interfere in any manner with the progress of another team.
3.2.17. Sportsmanship
Rude or inappropriate behavior by mushers or their respective handler/s may result in penalty or disqualification. Conduct yourselves so the next musher will be welcomed with equal hospitality.
3.2.18. Good Samaritan Rule
A musher will not be penalized for aiding another musher in an emergency. Incidents of serious consequence should be reported to race officials at the next checkpoint.
3.2.19. No Man’s Land
No Man’s Land begins one ( 1 ) mile from the finish line. It will be so marked. Passing rules will not apply.
3.2.20. Protests
A musher may protest any action of a competitor that he/she feels is contrary to the intent of these rules. To be recognized as a legitimate protest, any infraction observed by a musher must be presented in writing at the next checkpoint and in no case more than twenty-four hours after a musher finishes the race.
3.2.21. Awards Presentation
A combined awards ceremony time and place will be announced at the mushers meeting. Mushers must be present to collect their prizes unless specifically excused by the race manager.
THE INTENT OF THE RULES IS TO ENSURE FAIR COMPETITION AND THE HUMANE CARE OF SLED DOGS. THE RACE SHOULD BE WON OR LOST ON MERIT RATHER THAN ON TECHNICALITIES. RACE OFFICIALS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR INTERPRETING THE RULES IN KEEPING WITH THAT INTENT.
4. SUPPLEMENT 2010
This section details rule or procedure changes specific to the 2010 race.
4.1. Purse Eligibility
Teams having previously finished in the top 10 of Iditarod or Quest are excluded from participating in the purse. May participate for place.
4.2. Vet Check
Vet check will be entirely the mushers responsibility. A general bill of health statement for all dogs entered, from the musher’s personal vet, presented at the mushers meeting along with proof of current rabies vaccination is required.
Dogs are limited to Northern Breeds or crosses with adequate coat. Race officials may make that determination based on anticipated conditions.
4.3. Entry Deposit
A deposit of $50 will secure your entry, with the balance payable by January 20th (check), or at the Mushers Meeting (cash only). Deposits will be returned in the event of a race cancellation.
4.4. Late Fees
A fee of $25 will be charged for any application made after January 20th. Late entries will be accepted in cash only.
4.5. 300 Race Minimum Entry
A minimum of four teams are required before the 300 mile race will be run. Should less than four sign-up at the Mushers Meeting those teams will have the choice of running the 200 mile race or getting their deposit/entry-fee refunded.
4.6. 25 Team Limit
Entry will be limited by the space available for parking dog teams at the mandatory layover site. Should this limit be exceeded, teams will be entered according to the date that the initial deposit was received, then date of sign-up if no deposit has been received.
4.7. Mandatory Layovers
The layover at May’s cabin will be eight hours (both events). That for the 200 mile checkpoint on the 300 mile race will be six hours.
4.8. Race Bibs
Bib’s must be worn at the start of the race only. Your bib is considered part of the mandatory equipment at the race’s conclusion.
4.9. Trail Description
The race trail leaves Willow to the Big-Su/Deshka intersection, then overland to Shulin Lake and Morgan’s cabin on Oilwell Road. Then under the Big Su bridge, up the river to May’s cabin in Trapper Creek. Exactly 100 miles. Following the layover, teams return to Willow via the same route (200 event). Those running the 300 mile event also return to Willow (probably Eaglequest Lodge), then retrace their trail to finish at May’s cabin.
The final route(s) will be described at the musher’s meeting.
4.10. Additional Rules/Reminders
The following are additions to the general rules for the 2010 race, based on recent experience/questions—
- Rabies Certificates: Must be shown to a race official prior to the start of the
race, preferably at the musher’s meeting;
- Cable tie-outs: Must be shown to a race official prior to the start of the race, preferably at the musher’s meeting.
- Straw: Mushers are reminded that cable tie-outs for dropped dogs are part of the mandatory equipment for each team, at least three of which must be carried when leaving the start.
- Handlers: It is the mushers responsibility to provide straw for the checkpoint at May’s cabin and Eaglequest Lodge. Mushers intending to camp on the trail or rest at Morgan’s checkpoint must carry their own straw.
Handers are responsible for—
- Moving the mushers dog truck away from the start after the team has left;
- Providing straw at May’s and Eaglequest Lodge (if not dropped off prior to the race);
- Collecting any dropped dogs in a timely manner;
- Policing and cleaning-up at May’s cabin (checkpoint and 300 finish), Eaglequest Lodge or the Willow Community Center finish.