Whitehorse Daily Star

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Photo by John Tonin

READY TO RUN – Ryan Gerolami sets off down the trail during the one-mile, one dog, canicross event during Hot Hounds #3 on Sunday at the Mount McIntyre trails.

Owners, dogs take the trails in Hot Hounds #3

The third installment of the Dog Powered Sports Association of Yukon Hot Hounds series took place Sunday evening at the Mount McIntyre trails.

By John Tonin on September 20, 2019

The third installment of the Dog Powered Sports Association of Yukon Hot Hounds series took place Sunday evening at the Mount McIntyre trails.

It was a beautiful fall day on Sunday, good weather for running and biking for the, small but enthusiastic group of participants and their dogs. As it continues to get cooler, Martin Haefele, a DPSAY board member, and musher said there is some excitement for the colder temperatures.

“Those serious about training dogs are excited for the snow,” he said.

DPSAY had to cancel the second Hot Hounds race in July because of warm temperatures. Haefele said because the dogs can easily overheat most won’t run beyond 20 C.

The Hot Hound races remain at shorter distances for the comfort of the dogs and person. The races Sunday featured a one mile, one dog canicross (run), and a one mile, one dog, and a two mile, two dog bikejor.

The Hot Hound series are held at different locations throughout the summer and fall, which offers the participants different terrains.

Haefele said the trails used on Sunday were excellent.

“They are beautiful trails, some were small, but you didn’t have to use the same section twice,” he said.

Being able to create a loop for the race routes meant there was no need for head-on passing.

“There on two schools of thought on that,” said Haefele. “Some like head-on passes to see the competition, some don’t.”

With the trails being different and varying in distance Haefele said it’s not always easy to see if times are dropping.

“Each trail is different,” said Haefele. “This week the two-mile race was actually 2.7 miles. It is difficult to compare times.”

Hot Hounds #3 saw some new mushers, who Haefele said, are always encouraged to come and give it a try. The ropes and harnesses can be provided to the newcomers.

“We try to attract people to the sport,” said Haefele. “DPSAY is all about fun and the social element.”

In the summer, the series will see any breed of dog.

“We get all types of breeds in the summer,” said Haefele. “We’ve had Australian shepherds and Rottweilers. I run with a Labrador retriever.”

Although the races are for fun and no prizes were given out to the winners, Haefele said there are still some bragging rights on the line.

“Sometimes there are little rivalries,” he said. “The dogs are probably more competitive.

When they see a team ahead they want to catch them. My lab pulls like crazy.”

Adam Robinson proved to be the fastest in the one-mile biker posting a speedy time of four minutes, 52 seconds. Kathryn McDonald came second in seven minutes, 31 seconds and Haefle made up the final top spot.

With another dog harnessed to the bike for the two-mile bikejor, Robinson again posted the quickest time complete in the loop in 10 minutes, 20 seconds.

Heather Robb posted a time just two minutes slower than Robinson for second and Haefele place third, only 12 seconds slower than Robb.

On-bike and on foot, Robinson was the fastest in the one-mile canicross finishing in six minutes, 50 seconds.

Cynthia Corriveau came second in nine minutes, 15 seconds and Ryan Gerolami was third 14 seconds behind Corriveau.

The possibility of a fourth Hot Hounds is currently undecided but if the weather continues as is, DPSAY is looking at a race in October.

By JOHN TONIN Sports Editor

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