Sled dog races this week

Sled dogs run outside Halfway during the 200-mile, Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race in 2007. Twelve dogs are required for the race, while the 100-mile run races eight dogs. (Baker City Herald/S. John Collins)

The Extreme features two separate races — a 100-mile eight dog race and a 200-mile 12 dog race.

Events begin Wednesday with veterinarian checks and a musher meeting in Joseph and Enterprise.

The teams take off at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Ferguson Ridge Ski Area. Spectators are welcome.

The 100-mile racers will spend a mandatory six-hour layover at Ollokot Campground, and the 200-mile participants will layover near Halfway, in a field fully accessible to the public.

During those six hours the animals are rested, fed and checked by a vet. The mushers also try to catch some sleep before heading for the finish.

On Saturday, a dinner and dance will take place at the Joseph Community Center where mushers will tell stories and receive prizes. The public is invited, and tickets are $21 (proceeds help support the race).

More information is available by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling 541-432-3507.