The Copper Haul Twister trail is getting a little more security after the decision to install a gate at the start of the trail to keep motorized vehicles out.

Every year the Klondike Snowmobile Association packs down the trails for the mushers and their dog teams.

"They do an absolutely wonderful job,” said Gene Ennis, president of Dog Powered Sports Association of the Yukon.

While the road remains closed to motorized vehicles, every year the Copper Haul organizers find deep ruts in the trail – left overs from unwelcome vehicular traffic.

While the Klondike Snowmobile Club does their best to fix all the ruts and gashes found in the trail, the Copper Haul Twister organizers decided more needed to be done to prevent the damage in the first place.

With the help of Doug Hnatiuk from the city's parks and recreation department, the Copper Haul organizers are getting a little extra security.

"We had gone to him and said, ‘We need a gate.' So they're going to put one up,” said Ennis.

The gate will lock the road from Nov. 1 to March 31. Large rocks will be placed along other accesses to the road as well.

The Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister league is getting ready to host the inuageral Road Runner 100 race. The dates have yet to be finalized but already the league has received a donation of $1,000 for prize money from Icy Waters Ltd.

"Icy Waters Ltd. has jumped up to the plate to donate $1,000 to our prizes,” said Ennis.

The 100 metre race will run from Whitehorse to Haines Junction.

"It's our effort to rejuvenate the mid-distance race,” said Ennis.

Many mushers have to travel outside of Whitehorse to compete in smaller races.

"There's nothing locally that happens,” said Ennis.

The race will be spectator friendly with the track running alongside the highway so that anyone can stop by and watch the entire race.

"This is a chance for the public to see a whole sled dog race if they choose to,” said Ennis.

The Copper Haul Twister league is looking for more sponsors for the upcoming race and season. For more information, contact Ennis at Fas Gas or ask for Jon at Icy Waters Ltd.

The Alpine Vet Race Day, the first in the season, will take place on Nov. 22 on the Copper Haul Twister trail. The start line is as always at the MacIntyre Marsh Gazebo.