Provisional details for the 2012 race are as follows—

  • All races: leave Willow Community Center and use the main trail across several large lakes to Correl Hill trail that leads to the Big Su river. Up the Su a couple miles to an overland trail to the Deshka River; up the Deshka a few miles to the trail to Shulin Lake. The “stop and go” Nowhere checkpoint is approximately 30 miles out. Then another 50 miles to Hal Morgan’s cabin, another stop and go checkpoint. Finally, 22 miles to Kershner’s Cabin check point on Petersville Road. This leg is approximately 100 miles. Fun/Junior run finishes here; remainder have a six hour layover.
  • 200 Race: Return along the same course to the Eagle Quest Lodge, Willow for the 200 finish.
  • 300 Race: As for the 200 mile race, but with another six hour layover at Eagle Quest Lodge. Then travel overland (Big Swamp trail) to cross the Su to the old Iditarod Trail. About 65 miles to Alexander Lake. From the Lake swing back overland to the Yentna and Su and return to Eagle Quest Lodge for the 300 mile finish. Snow conditions have made this loop impractical; instead the 300 will return to Kersnher’s cabin to finish. [1/25]

Stop and go checkpoints: All that is required to let the checker know your name and bib number, plus number of dogs. There is no need to completely halt an eager team to sign in. These checkpoints are established primarily for safety reasons, although in/out times will be recorded. The Nowhere checkpoint will have a warm up tent for those wishing a short break, but no straw/drop bags etc., will be provided.

A reminder: Please make sure you have rabies certificates at the Mushers Meeting. Dog food/straw is your responsibility for both the 200 and 300 mile races since all layover checkpoints are on the road system.

A second reminder: You are required to carry cable drop lines for dropped dogs; for some reason this requirement has been overlooked in past years (by some mushers).

Map data for the 2012 race is a work in progress. The 100/200 mile route is similar to that planned for the 2011 race however, except the trail continues north from Morgan cabin to Petersville road.

Part of the additional 100 miles for the 300 (the Big Swamp Trail) is shown here (from Big Lake Trails Inc website).