It will be a real celebration on the Copper Haul Twister trail for everyone involved in Sunday's sled dog race.

Organizers of the Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister League are holding a special Valentine's Day race, which is being sponsored by Duffy's Pets and Tanzilla Harness Supply.

Duffy's Pets has been a long time supporter of the race and donated the race series first major prize back in April 2006. Duffy's Pets contribution to what was then a trial race was a head lamp, valued at around $100.

There were only five entrants, including two skijors and three sleds, but the trial race went off successfully and it marked the beginning of the race series.

Race founder Jonathan Lucas still remembers Duffy's Pets generosity for the inaugural race.

"Icy waters threw in some fish and there was a couple of other small things, but that felt like a confidence boost that someone else believed in us, that it was worthwhile doing it."

Since then the league has grown quite a bit and now, in addition to having a 12-mile adult sled dog category, also includes a pet dog and kids competition.

Duffy's Pets is one of the six race day sponsors. All race day sponsors donate $400 to cover some of the expenses and prizes.

This is the first time the race series has held a Valentine's Day themed competition, which will mark the halfway point of the season.

Decorations, including balloons will be set up along the trail, which Lucas added will be brought back in after the race is over.

In addition to the decorations, there is a Valentine's Day themed costume contest and Yukon Gold will be given out to a musher that gets a kiss from another person at the start line and then is kissed by same person when he or she arrives back.

Participation in the Copper Haul Twister League costs $10, however the dog mushing race is open to the public to take in for free.

Chili is being provided on race day by Pinocchio's Springs Kennel. The race will begin around 10 a.m. off Fish Lake Road, near Icy Waters Ltd.

To be in the league, a participant must volunteer for at least one of the six races, however non league members are still welcome to race in any of the three categories.

The most points that can be awarded in a race is 10. Currently Yukon Quest veteran Kyla Boivin is in first place in the league's adult sled dog standings.

Jeff Diment is ahead in the kids category and Lucas' dog Asha leads the pet dog division.

Participants are encouraged to check the trail conditions on the league's website at www.copperhaultwister.blogspot.com leading up to Sunday's race.