The frigid Saturday with light snow did not deter mushers and their dog teams in the Yukon Brewing Copper Haul League from running in the finale.

Four races have been held throughout the winter months, beginning Jan. 2 with a qualifying race. The League was re-introduced this year after a decade-long hiatus. The original Copper Haul League ran from 2004 to 2010.

The League was revived by musher Jon Lucas, who also organized the races in the early 2000s. He said he decided to re-start the League to give new mushers an opportunity to compete.

"There didn’t seem to be many races for the new and inexperienced dogs and humans this year," Lucas told the Star in December 2020. “An easier way to get experience is to attend a race or two where the stakes are very low, competitive edges can be relaxed, and we can all work on our trail etiquette, especially passing.

"Then, when a bigger and more expensive race comes along, everyone can be a little more confident about moving up – although it’s important to point out, we are working with animals, and the unexpected does happen."

Lucas said having the races on the Copper Haul Road was a good opportunity for new mushers to learn trail etiquette such as passing other teams. The ethos of the race was for people to gain experience, and Lucas said he thinks it succeeded.

"We had some issues in the beginning but we resolved them," said Lucas. "We had a mixing of different genres, we had people passing, it was great. That's what you will meet on the trail.

"It was an opportunity to learn dog care and to show you can do this with any dog. It highlighted the diversity of mushing."

The Copper Haul League featured four races throughout the season, a 10-mile race, and a kicksled, pet dog and ,young people race – all three kilometres.

Mushers in the 10-mile race were competing in the League, however, they had to complete the qualifier and the next three races to be eligible for the final prize – cash and a trophy.

Eleven mushers raced the 10-mile qualifier. For every race afterward, a handicap was applied to their times. Lucas said this was to make things even, so even the slower teams were in contention for prizes.

He believed the handicap went well but conceded there may need to be changes for next year.

"The handicap might be a bit skewed to the slower teams," said Lucas. "Next year, mushers might do the first races slowly."

Lucas also said more events would help balance out the standings more and next year plans on trying to do six races.

Despite the chilly temperatures dropping the thermometer mercury, 19 teams still go out on the trail. Because of the weather conditions, Lucas said it made the race more difficult, even though the Copper Haul Road is well-used.

"The cold affects the snow quality," said Lucas. "The times are slower, the trail is gritty and because of the drifting you hit soft patches."

Results:

Copper Haul League winner:

Ilana Kingsley had 27 points to take home the League trophy, a rendering of Copper and Wood, and $400. Lucas said it was the trophy from the original Copper Haul League.

League runner-up was Melissa Schenke, who had 23 points and earned herself $200.

Kingsley and Schenke were the only mushers to complete all four League races.

10-mile race:

Virginia Sarrazin and her two dogs skijored to the fastest time Saturday in 42 minutes, 40 seconds. Lindsay Caskanette and her five dog team were about two minutes slower, and Lucas placed third.

Kicksled:

Sarah Gallo and her one pooch led the way finishing in 23 minutes. Rhonda Kotelko was second in 26 minutes, 46 seconds.

Working Pets:

John Berryman and his two dogs skijored the three miles, finishing in 11 minutes, 20 seconds. Justine Benjamin, also with two dogs on skis came second in 14 minutes, 48 seconds. Natalya Keller, snowblades, was third.

Young People:

Nona Renner and her three-dog sled, supported by her dad, finished in 11 minutes even. Forest Barnes, with Shenke, was second while Aurora Barnes who had her mom along, came in third.

Prizes throughout the League season were donated by Yukon farmers and butchers.

Lucas said although not official yet, he is planning on holding summer races.