The re-introduced Yukon Brewing Copper Haul League got its season underway Saturday on a beautiful day off of Fish Lake Road.

The original Copper Haul League ran from 2004 to 2010. Local musher Jon Lucas organized the new League.

"There didn’t seem to be many races for the new and inexperienced dogs and humans this year," Lucas told the Star in December. “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."

Saturday was the League qualifier, then three more races will be held throughout the winter. The qualifying race was originally slated before the calendar turned to 2021, but the warm spell the territory received halted those plans.

Race-day had four events. A three-kilometre pet dog race – where any breed of dog could be used; a three-kilometre kick sled race; a three-kilometre young people's race; and a 10-mile race.

"I was surprised we had entrants in all races," said Lucas. "We want to get people interested and provide something for everyone and we have given people the opportunity to do that."

The 10-mile race, which had 11 mushers, was the qualifier into the Copper Haul League. Those 11 mushers, if they race the next three events, will be eligible for the final prizes.

"Those 11 are locked in and I will calculate their points," said Lucas. "Eleven is a manageable number. I had no idea how many we'd get because it is a short race. People are training for longer races."

To make the League interesting, Lucas said he will be using a handicap. Mushers' times will be adjusted by previous performance.

"Supposedly slower teams will be on a level playing field with the supposedly faster teams," he said.

If a musher missed the qualifying race, they are still welcome to attend and compete in the 10-mile race. Teams either used a sled with up to six dogs or, skijored and used two dogs.

All the mushers, across all categories, left the day with prizes donated by local farmers.

Results:

Ten-mile Yukon Brewing qualifier:

Alexandra Rochat and her team of six dogs posted the quickest time on the day of 38 minutes, 50 seconds. In second came skijorer Virginia Sarrazin in 45:06. Third was Maria Metzen in 46:08.

Three-kilometre kick sled:

Lea-Marie Savoie and her team of two complete the race in 23:06. Rhonda Kotelko completed the distance in 31:27.

Three-kilometre pet dog race:

Skijorer Sophie Firmenich and her two dogs only needed 12:36 to finish the distance. On skis and with one pooch Nadelle Flynn came second in 14:32. Sarah Gallo, doing canicross, finished in 29:32.

Three-kilometre young people's race:

Jim Verin and his three-dog sled finished in 13:10. Aurora, Forest, with their mom, Becki Barnes, as anchor, used a three-dog sled/ski combo and completed the distance in 18:42.

The next League race will be on Jan. 30 at the same location. Lucas said he is hopeful more people will come out to try any of the categories.