There were no shortage of dogs or mushers for the first Copper Haul Twister race of the 2008-09 season, this past weekend near Icy Waters Ltd.

The H. Coyne and Sons race attracted 20 mushing teams that competed in three different categories, including a kids, pet dog and adult division.

Participants in the Copper Haul Twister League have the option of using a sled or skijoring.

This year's Copper Haul Twister League will have six races with one every month.

To be eligible for league competition, participants must compete in at least three races and volunteer for one. Points are awarded for top finishes, including 10 points for first place.

The winner of the league in the adult category will be given $250 from Yukon Brewing as well as the honour of having his or her name engraved on the Copper Haul Twister League trophy.

Mushers went out Sunday in two minute intervals. Among the 20 teams, 15 were in the adult category, four were in the kids division and there was one pet dog entry.

The first dog team back was Darrel Sheepway, who started in the first position and was the first to cross the finish line.

Using skis, Jonathan Lucas didn't waste any time, getting the most out of his two dog team and finishing with the top time in the 12 mile adult division. Lucas finished at 56:45, which was nearly three minutes faster than second place finisher Kyla Boivin.

Coming in third place and also breaking the one hour mark was Sheepway, who skijored with a three-dog team. Sheepway's time was 59:47.

Drew Spicer, 1:03:30, took the fourth position, coming in just one minute before Maren Bradley, who finished with a time of 1:03:31.

Erin Spicer won the five-km kids category, finishing with a time of 13:51, while Keegan Hopkins locked down second with an impressive time of 15:01.

Jeff Diment came in third and Haley McCloud finished not long after, at18:45.

Lucas also won the pet category with his dog Asha, completing the five-km course with a time of 19:46.