200 Mile Yukon Quest and Iditarod Qualifier
Jerry Joinson
Jerry ran his first race when he was 9 years old with his pet German Shepherd, back in 1951. From there, Jerry moved on to 3 Yukon Quest finishes. He has raced here numerous times and we are glad to have him back in the Fort. Jerry discovered his love of dogs and mushing as a kid growing up in Cumberland House, Sask. The dogs have been an important part of his life ever since. He now works as a summer dogsled tour guide enabling him to work with dogs year round.
Jerry ran his first race when he was 9 years old with his pet German Shepherd, back in 1951. From there, Jerry moved on to 3 Yukon Quest finishes. He has raced here numerous times and we are glad to have him back in the Fort. Jerry discovered his love of dogs and mushing as a kid growing up in Cumberland House, Sask. The dogs have been an important part of his life ever since. He now works as a summer dogsled tour guide enabling him to work with dogs year round.
Jacob Heigers
For me, mushing started in BC about 12 years ago - on the forest roads and Kettle Valley Railroad trails of the Central Okanagan. I progressively moved further north and with my wife Gwen, now live and work with our 36dogs at Grizzly Valley Kennels north of Whitehorse in the Southern Yukon. Our love for the original Chukchi Dog, Markovo-Seppalas, as well as long-distance proven working SH lines from Tsuga and North Wapiti, have seen us travel as far as Chukotka in coastal Siberia, Russian Karelia, Churchill Manitoba, Nome-, Paxon-, Anchorage and Two Rivers in Alaska, as well as numerous towns in the Yukon. Our dogs have raced in a number of mid-distance races including YQ300, GinGin200, Percy de Wolfe 100 & 200, Hudson Bay Quest 200, 2Rivers 100, Silver Sled, River Runner100, Bun Runner 100. Up here in the North we are acutely aware of the rapidly accelerating effects of climate change on our mushing lifestyle. We see many races canceled due to poor conditions in southwest Alaska & the Yukon. Our training seasons, like the thinning lake- and river ice we rely on for safe passage, are becoming more erratic and less dependable. Getting good miles on one's dog team becomes more and more of a challenge, year after year. The future and continuation of this sport, as well as our chosen lifestyle as dog-drivers, at least in our opinion does not lie with the ultra-distance YQ and Iditarod events; it lies instead with smaller format, 15 teams max, well organized & adequately sponsored mid-distance races such as HBQ, Percy de Wolfe, 2Rivers 200, the Canadian Challenge and of course the Caledonian Classic Sleddog Race. I feel very honoured to be included in this event and be able to bring our dog team of veterans and newbies back to BC to compete in this race.
For me, mushing started in BC about 12 years ago - on the forest roads and Kettle Valley Railroad trails of the Central Okanagan. I progressively moved further north and with my wife Gwen, now live and work with our 36dogs at Grizzly Valley Kennels north of Whitehorse in the Southern Yukon. Our love for the original Chukchi Dog, Markovo-Seppalas, as well as long-distance proven working SH lines from Tsuga and North Wapiti, have seen us travel as far as Chukotka in coastal Siberia, Russian Karelia, Churchill Manitoba, Nome-, Paxon-, Anchorage and Two Rivers in Alaska, as well as numerous towns in the Yukon. Our dogs have raced in a number of mid-distance races including YQ300, GinGin200, Percy de Wolfe 100 & 200, Hudson Bay Quest 200, 2Rivers 100, Silver Sled, River Runner100, Bun Runner 100. Up here in the North we are acutely aware of the rapidly accelerating effects of climate change on our mushing lifestyle. We see many races canceled due to poor conditions in southwest Alaska & the Yukon. Our training seasons, like the thinning lake- and river ice we rely on for safe passage, are becoming more erratic and less dependable. Getting good miles on one's dog team becomes more and more of a challenge, year after year. The future and continuation of this sport, as well as our chosen lifestyle as dog-drivers, at least in our opinion does not lie with the ultra-distance YQ and Iditarod events; it lies instead with smaller format, 15 teams max, well organized & adequately sponsored mid-distance races such as HBQ, Percy de Wolfe, 2Rivers 200, the Canadian Challenge and of course the Caledonian Classic Sleddog Race. I feel very honoured to be included in this event and be able to bring our dog team of veterans and newbies back to BC to compete in this race.
Lisa Joinson
Lisa has been involved in the mushing world for over 30 years. She, with her husband Jerry, operate a kennel of about 35 dogs in Tagish, Yukon. Lisa has taken a “lead” roll in the kennel over the past few years and is racing the fastest dogs from the kennel. This decision is one of the best the kennel has ever made because the kennel’s racing results have improved significantly. Lisa has stood on the podium for numerous races including the Caledonia Classic, and the Canadian challenge.
Lisa once lived in Fort St. James and has become a fan favourite with locals. Lisa not only has high expectations for herself and her dogs in the mid distance scene, but she is looking to enter the Quest or the Iditarod in the near future.
Lisa has been involved in the mushing world for over 30 years. She, with her husband Jerry, operate a kennel of about 35 dogs in Tagish, Yukon. Lisa has taken a “lead” roll in the kennel over the past few years and is racing the fastest dogs from the kennel. This decision is one of the best the kennel has ever made because the kennel’s racing results have improved significantly. Lisa has stood on the podium for numerous races including the Caledonia Classic, and the Canadian challenge.
Lisa once lived in Fort St. James and has become a fan favourite with locals. Lisa not only has high expectations for herself and her dogs in the mid distance scene, but she is looking to enter the Quest or the Iditarod in the near future.
Aaron Peck
Elevation Sled Dogs is located near Grande Prairie AB. Aaron, Eva and children Clancy and Sunny embrace the sled dog lifestyle by operating sled dog tours and long distance racing. Our goal for 2020 is to be as competitive as possible while maintaining optimal attitude and health in our special sled dog athletes.
Elevation Sled Dogs is located near Grande Prairie AB. Aaron, Eva and children Clancy and Sunny embrace the sled dog lifestyle by operating sled dog tours and long distance racing. Our goal for 2020 is to be as competitive as possible while maintaining optimal attitude and health in our special sled dog athletes.
Connor MacMahon
Connor Mcmahon Grew up listening to stories from his great grandpa about running dogs and is now very grateful to be working with Aaron Peck and running his amazing dogs.
Connor Mcmahon Grew up listening to stories from his great grandpa about running dogs and is now very grateful to be working with Aaron Peck and running his amazing dogs.
Josh Lichti
Josh has been mushing for a lot years competitively and non . I have been training best i can after work to get my dogs ready for this race . I hope to complete the race is my goal is to finish the race no matter the placing , my goal is to keep the dogs as happy as possible and to complete a strong finish as a yukon/ iditarod qualifier race.
Josh has been mushing for a lot years competitively and non . I have been training best i can after work to get my dogs ready for this race . I hope to complete the race is my goal is to finish the race no matter the placing , my goal is to keep the dogs as happy as possible and to complete a strong finish as a yukon/ iditarod qualifier race.
Nastasja Krupop
I grew up in Germany with no huskies, no sled and barely snow. After a rountrip through scandinavia in wintertime a couple of years ago, I got fascinated about wilderness, real winters and mostly about my first contact to huskies. To be honest – it was their pooh, but I loved it. Don‘t get me wrong, but beyond a husky-sledtour, I stayed on a kennel helping a bit out. Even picking dog-pooh in the freezing darkness beeing together with this wonderful fellows made me happy. But this was not enough and just the beginning. Reading books about mushing, joining a workshop and talking to mushers – it was time to leave: Around 2 years ago I found the place to be on a dogsled -Yukon. Within one year I came back three more times for wilderness tours around fishlake area. I fell often: ...from the sled and went to hospital, ... in love with a dog and I felt freedom like never before. The dogs, the scenery, the people and the spirit of the Yukon infected me. It was an easy decission to pause my office-job as a socialworker back in Germany and come back now for a whole season to handle and train dogs at Lisa & Jerry Joinsons kennel, Barking Adventures. Imagine me telling my boss I rather like picking dog pooh than writing reports…;-) And even more – standing on a sled and be a part of the team of the lovely dogs- amazing. After a couple of month of training I will try my first steps towards small races and I am very thankful to Lisa & Jerry and of course – to the dogs who allow me realizing all this.
I grew up in Germany with no huskies, no sled and barely snow. After a rountrip through scandinavia in wintertime a couple of years ago, I got fascinated about wilderness, real winters and mostly about my first contact to huskies. To be honest – it was their pooh, but I loved it. Don‘t get me wrong, but beyond a husky-sledtour, I stayed on a kennel helping a bit out. Even picking dog-pooh in the freezing darkness beeing together with this wonderful fellows made me happy. But this was not enough and just the beginning. Reading books about mushing, joining a workshop and talking to mushers – it was time to leave: Around 2 years ago I found the place to be on a dogsled -Yukon. Within one year I came back three more times for wilderness tours around fishlake area. I fell often: ...from the sled and went to hospital, ... in love with a dog and I felt freedom like never before. The dogs, the scenery, the people and the spirit of the Yukon infected me. It was an easy decission to pause my office-job as a socialworker back in Germany and come back now for a whole season to handle and train dogs at Lisa & Jerry Joinsons kennel, Barking Adventures. Imagine me telling my boss I rather like picking dog pooh than writing reports…;-) And even more – standing on a sled and be a part of the team of the lovely dogs- amazing. After a couple of month of training I will try my first steps towards small races and I am very thankful to Lisa & Jerry and of course – to the dogs who allow me realizing all this.
100 Mile Race
Marcel Marin
Marcel was born on a dogsled in Rankin, Nunavut. He has raced everything from one dog one mile sprint races to the Yukon Quest. He owns a small kennel, the Underdogkennel, of about 10 dogs and trains more miles than an Iditarod Team. Marcel's biggest challenge in the Caledonia Classic is running in the heat, as he currently lives in Yellowknife, NWT. Marcel's goal, like every race he enters, is to take 1st place. He's a little nervous of Sean Houghton sneaking up in the last 5 miles.
Marcel was born on a dogsled in Rankin, Nunavut. He has raced everything from one dog one mile sprint races to the Yukon Quest. He owns a small kennel, the Underdogkennel, of about 10 dogs and trains more miles than an Iditarod Team. Marcel's biggest challenge in the Caledonia Classic is running in the heat, as he currently lives in Yellowknife, NWT. Marcel's goal, like every race he enters, is to take 1st place. He's a little nervous of Sean Houghton sneaking up in the last 5 miles.
Sean Houghton
My name is Sean Houghton. I am 15 years old. I have run the Caledonia Classic sprint races numerous times with a variety of placings. I have also run the Fort St James Doggie Doo race, Underdog three times, the Gold Rush Mail Run, and many other sprint races. I enjoy being with the dogs and I would like to get into longer races in the future (200 and 300mile races). My big goal for this season is to beat my dad.
My name is Sean Houghton. I am 15 years old. I have run the Caledonia Classic sprint races numerous times with a variety of placings. I have also run the Fort St James Doggie Doo race, Underdog three times, the Gold Rush Mail Run, and many other sprint races. I enjoy being with the dogs and I would like to get into longer races in the future (200 and 300mile races). My big goal for this season is to beat my dad.
Jody Verge
Jody has a whole variety of dogs at her place, everything from Chihuauhas to pit bulls to really well line-bred Alaskan Huskies that she got from Craig. If her truck gets here, we're hoping she brings the Alaskans to race. This year, Jody has become more serious and hired international handlers from Germany. She's fully expecting to win the race, with or without her sled.
Jody has a whole variety of dogs at her place, everything from Chihuauhas to pit bulls to really well line-bred Alaskan Huskies that she got from Craig. If her truck gets here, we're hoping she brings the Alaskans to race. This year, Jody has become more serious and hired international handlers from Germany. She's fully expecting to win the race, with or without her sled.
Eric Marsden
Eric is known as the most social musher in BC. He is the owner and operator of Powderhound Ranch in Revelstoke, BC, a tourism kennel with 35 dogs. His lead dogs are Biggie, a 1 year old male, and Mica, a 6 year old female. Eric has been racing dogs for more than 9 years. When he is not racing or taking tours out, he can be found playing with his kids. He enjoys having fun at every mushing event he attends. Eric is known as an international celebrity for winning races in Whitefish, Montana last year. His goal like everything else is to win the race, socialize and test his dogs.
Eric is known as the most social musher in BC. He is the owner and operator of Powderhound Ranch in Revelstoke, BC, a tourism kennel with 35 dogs. His lead dogs are Biggie, a 1 year old male, and Mica, a 6 year old female. Eric has been racing dogs for more than 9 years. When he is not racing or taking tours out, he can be found playing with his kids. He enjoys having fun at every mushing event he attends. Eric is known as an international celebrity for winning races in Whitefish, Montana last year. His goal like everything else is to win the race, socialize and test his dogs.
Mayla Hill
I am from Germansen Landing, BC. I am 15 years old. This will be my second race. Last year was my first winter mushing, thanks to Ann and John Douglas and the Houghtons. Now I am hooked ! I look forward to a great winter and a lifetime with the dogs!
I am from Germansen Landing, BC. I am 15 years old. This will be my second race. Last year was my first winter mushing, thanks to Ann and John Douglas and the Houghtons. Now I am hooked ! I look forward to a great winter and a lifetime with the dogs!
Steve Taylor
Steve is a co-owner of the kennel Ice Heaven in Rocky Mountain House, AB. Steve works hard in the kennel, following instructions from his daughter, Jillian. Steve has been around the racing circuit for 40 years, running everything from sprint races to long distance. Steve's goal in this race is to finish in front of everybody younger than him.
Steve is a co-owner of the kennel Ice Heaven in Rocky Mountain House, AB. Steve works hard in the kennel, following instructions from his daughter, Jillian. Steve has been around the racing circuit for 40 years, running everything from sprint races to long distance. Steve's goal in this race is to finish in front of everybody younger than him.
Jillian Lawton
Jillian has been mushing for 25 years. She has lots of experience in distance racing, including Canadian Challenge (300 mile and 200 mile) and Eagle Cap 200 mile as well as the Caledonia Classic. She's a registered nurse. She shares a kennel with her dad, Steve Taylor. Jillian's goal in this race is to finish in front of Marcel.
Jillian has been mushing for 25 years. She has lots of experience in distance racing, including Canadian Challenge (300 mile and 200 mile) and Eagle Cap 200 mile as well as the Caledonia Classic. She's a registered nurse. She shares a kennel with her dad, Steve Taylor. Jillian's goal in this race is to finish in front of Marcel.
Cindy Baker-Hawkins
Like many mushers I fumbled into the sport and lifestyle, starting with one Siberian that was found in the Vancouver area. From 1 Siberian to a golden lab it was skijoring, then along came a Siberian puppy, then 4 puppies and now a kennel of 28 adults and a litter of 8 puppies!! I have done a lot of things in my life, including raising two wonderful sons, but I have to say running and training Siberians has often been most challenging and rewarding. My partner is ultra supportive snd I would be nowhere without him. We moved north from Prince George almost 20 years ago and it has been such an amazing experience running dogs in the Yukon. Years ago I did some sprint racing at the Caledonia Classic and I am so excited about returning this season to fo the 200!! It’s such a great event!!!
Like many mushers I fumbled into the sport and lifestyle, starting with one Siberian that was found in the Vancouver area. From 1 Siberian to a golden lab it was skijoring, then along came a Siberian puppy, then 4 puppies and now a kennel of 28 adults and a litter of 8 puppies!! I have done a lot of things in my life, including raising two wonderful sons, but I have to say running and training Siberians has often been most challenging and rewarding. My partner is ultra supportive snd I would be nowhere without him. We moved north from Prince George almost 20 years ago and it has been such an amazing experience running dogs in the Yukon. Years ago I did some sprint racing at the Caledonia Classic and I am so excited about returning this season to fo the 200!! It’s such a great event!!!
Niklas Schmidt
I got into mushing while I spent a year in Canada on a Work and Travel Visa. It was always a dream of mine to go dog sledding in the Yukon. So I found Cindy from Ravenhawk Siberians on Workaway and she was looking for a handler. Therefore I flew to Whitehorse to become her handler. My plan was to stay there for a month but as soon as I got there I got hooked with mushing and spent the whole winter there. I love mushing, the dogs and the Yukon that is why I am coming back for my next season of mushing.
I got into mushing while I spent a year in Canada on a Work and Travel Visa. It was always a dream of mine to go dog sledding in the Yukon. So I found Cindy from Ravenhawk Siberians on Workaway and she was looking for a handler. Therefore I flew to Whitehorse to become her handler. My plan was to stay there for a month but as soon as I got there I got hooked with mushing and spent the whole winter there. I love mushing, the dogs and the Yukon that is why I am coming back for my next season of mushing.
Sprint Races
Ann Doreen
Ann is running in the 4 mile sprint race and the skijor event. She hails from Vanderhoof and runs dogs out of Douglas Dogs kennels. Her lead dogs this weekend are Echo, a 3 year old female, and Bolt, a 6 year old male. This is Ann's 2nd year racing. When she isn't getting to run her first race, this 12 year old can be found working hard on her school work. Ann would like to give a special thanks to her Gramma for lending her her favourite racing dogs.
Ann is running in the 4 mile sprint race and the skijor event. She hails from Vanderhoof and runs dogs out of Douglas Dogs kennels. Her lead dogs this weekend are Echo, a 3 year old female, and Bolt, a 6 year old male. This is Ann's 2nd year racing. When she isn't getting to run her first race, this 12 year old can be found working hard on her school work. Ann would like to give a special thanks to her Gramma for lending her her favourite racing dogs.
Lovis Hanks
Lovis has always enjoyed being around dogs and started competing last year. She's following in her uncle Holger's footsteps and did the Gold Rush Mail Run as well as the Caledonia Classic. She's hoping to participate in more races this year. Lovis truly enjoys winter and working with the dogs.
Lovis has always enjoyed being around dogs and started competing last year. She's following in her uncle Holger's footsteps and did the Gold Rush Mail Run as well as the Caledonia Classic. She's hoping to participate in more races this year. Lovis truly enjoys winter and working with the dogs.
Skyler Hanks
Skyler has always enjoyed spending time with dogs. He really enjoys winters in Fort St. James because there is so much to do. He has really taken to dog sledding and is excited to participate in his first race this year. He's hoping to run dogs in the Gold Rush Mail Run as well as the Caledonia Classic.
Skyler has always enjoyed spending time with dogs. He really enjoys winters in Fort St. James because there is so much to do. He has really taken to dog sledding and is excited to participate in his first race this year. He's hoping to run dogs in the Gold Rush Mail Run as well as the Caledonia Classic.
Robyn Devins
Robyn is running in the 6 mile sprint race this year with the goal of regaining her title. She runs dogs out of Naechinlay kennels in Smithers, BC, home to 17 dogs. Robyn has been racing dogs for 25 years. When she isn't racing, she can be found working as a processor operator. She values staying safe and warm on the trail and having clean runs.
Robyn is running in the 6 mile sprint race this year with the goal of regaining her title. She runs dogs out of Naechinlay kennels in Smithers, BC, home to 17 dogs. Robyn has been racing dogs for 25 years. When she isn't racing, she can be found working as a processor operator. She values staying safe and warm on the trail and having clean runs.
Britta Hanks
I have been skijoring for several years. Last year was my first year racing with my dog Smokey. I am looking forward to more races and am hoping to add my new puppy, Sitka, to my team this year. I have lived in Fort St. James for just over a year and love everything about this little town. I especially enjoy winters and spending time with sled dogs. I am looking forward to a few races on dog sled as well.
I have been skijoring for several years. Last year was my first year racing with my dog Smokey. I am looking forward to more races and am hoping to add my new puppy, Sitka, to my team this year. I have lived in Fort St. James for just over a year and love everything about this little town. I especially enjoy winters and spending time with sled dogs. I am looking forward to a few races on dog sled as well.
Amanda Price
My name is Amanda Price, I am from Fort St. James, born and raised. Always been known as horse crazy but I truly love all animals! I am a young mother of 2 wonderful children! About a year and a half ago, I took in a beautiful 1.5 year old Siberian/malamute, Ella, who has the drive to pull and a love of snow! So here I am learning all I can, challenging myself and my dog to this beautiful sport called Skijoring!
My name is Amanda Price, I am from Fort St. James, born and raised. Always been known as horse crazy but I truly love all animals! I am a young mother of 2 wonderful children! About a year and a half ago, I took in a beautiful 1.5 year old Siberian/malamute, Ella, who has the drive to pull and a love of snow! So here I am learning all I can, challenging myself and my dog to this beautiful sport called Skijoring!
Sonja Maas
I am a young handler from Germany, staying in Canada for 3 months. I'm fortunate to stay and learn from Jody Verge, a very experienced and efficient musher. I will be running in the sprint races at the Caledonia Classic, which will be my second race after the Mail Run. I am really enjoying spending time with the dogs and being in Canada's beautiful winter wonderland.
I am a young handler from Germany, staying in Canada for 3 months. I'm fortunate to stay and learn from Jody Verge, a very experienced and efficient musher. I will be running in the sprint races at the Caledonia Classic, which will be my second race after the Mail Run. I am really enjoying spending time with the dogs and being in Canada's beautiful winter wonderland.
Hans Appelman
I came to Canada 18 years ago, did pulka in Europe , now 18 years sledding and skijoring here in Canada, slowing down enjoy the last older getting dogs in one or two races.
I came to Canada 18 years ago, did pulka in Europe , now 18 years sledding and skijoring here in Canada, slowing down enjoy the last older getting dogs in one or two races.
Maaycke Verbruggen
Moved to Alberta 14 yrs ago to chase my dream as a veterinarian. My partner is Google, my best friend, super enthusiastic pitbull Hans and Jolanda Appelman infected me with the dogsledding fever and with their help we got Google trained in their team.
Moved to Alberta 14 yrs ago to chase my dream as a veterinarian. My partner is Google, my best friend, super enthusiastic pitbull Hans and Jolanda Appelman infected me with the dogsledding fever and with their help we got Google trained in their team.
Terry Quesnel
Veterinarian [ret.] Currently a certified pesticide applicator [industrial]. married, gardener, birder, born and raised in Vernon B.C.
Veterinarian [ret.] Currently a certified pesticide applicator [industrial]. married, gardener, birder, born and raised in Vernon B.C.
Clare Singelton
I am a 60 year old female artist who lives my projects and love of dogs horses the outdoor life and tired of bc fires i came to nova scotia 7 months ago to paint. Here people chase snow to ski etc. Most people around Liverpool have never seen a dogsled. It's all a bit of fun.
I am a 60 year old female artist who lives my projects and love of dogs horses the outdoor life and tired of bc fires i came to nova scotia 7 months ago to paint. Here people chase snow to ski etc. Most people around Liverpool have never seen a dogsled. It's all a bit of fun.
Shellie O'Brian
Danny Savic
Ann Douglas
Sally Swan
Nicole Swan
Cory Hommy
Dean Hommy
