It may not have been icy, but there were more than a few weather related challenges for participants in the final dryland dog race of the 2008 Hot Hounds season.

A light snow and cooler temperatures kept the 10 teams entered in last Sunday's race on edge, while they navigated through a hilly course on Mile 4.5 Mayo Road in Whitehorse.

"The dryland races were a success," said race organizer Jonathan Lucas. "We will be doing them again next year. It's really pleasing to see the increasing number of people trying it."

Sunday's event marked the third dryland race of the season and was the latest month that one has ever been held in the series. In 2007, the Hot Hounds season featured four races, which concluded in September.

All three races this year used the same format, featuring four racing categories that included a one pet dog one mile, a one sled dog one mile, a two sled dogs two miles and a formula one two mile race.

There was also a post competition barbecue for the participating mushers. Sunday's race officials included Laura Jane Lucas, Gene Ennis and Melanie Bedard.

Racers used either a scooter or a bike for three categories, while the fourth was the formula one ATV competition.

Lucas was among the winners on Sunday, taking top spot in the pet dog one mile category with a time of 5:09:53. Lucas competed with his dog Asha and was nearly two minutes faster than his closest competitor, which was Wendy Morrison.

Morrison and dog Irie finished at 7:04:53, while Fabian Schmitz and dog Wilson rounded out the top three at 9:57:53.

Dave Johnson and his team of 10 dogs finished with the best time in the formula one category, crossing the finish line at 9:14.

Sammy and Grey led the way for Laura Jane Lucas's team of six dogs to a solid second place position with a time of 10:30, while finishing third was Christy Oullette's eight dog contingent. Oullette posted a time of 14:38.

This year's dryland race series was very well attended, averaging 20 teams in its two previous competitions.

Lucas said while the weather conditions may not have been perfect for scooters or bikes, they were ideal for the dogs, who prefer cooler racing temperatures.

Sunday's dryland race earned its name as a result of Yukon Brewing giving away Growlers as one of the main prizes.

Dazhaw Du Chiropractic was also a sponsor of the race, donating ointments for sprained muscles as well as sore joints, which could be used on either people or dogs.

The remaining sponsors were Aurora Booties, Icy Waters Ltd. and Eagle Pack Dog Food. Aurora Booties supplied dog collars, while Icy Waters Ltd. gave arctic charr for the event.

Winners had the option of selecting the prize of their choice and whatever was left over will be used during the Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister League, which starts up in November.

The Hot Hounds season is a fundraiser for Copper Haul Twister League and this year raised around $500, which is an increase of approximately $100 from the 2007 total.

The money will be used for December's Reach for the Sky and Take the Beer poker run. Both Yukon Brewing and Air North are major sponsors of the poker run, which this year will have a cash purse of around $1,100, with the winning musher receiving $500.

December's poker run will start at Icy Waters, go over Mt. McIntyre and then work its way back to the starting point.

The format gives all participants an equal chance of finishing in first, regardless of the quality or quantity of the dogs used.

Participants will be given a card at the start line and will receive four more cards, with the final one being presented at the finish line. The musher with the best poker hand will be dubbed the winner.

The only stipulation for the poker run race is that mushers have to finish the course in three hours to be eligible to win. Participation in the poker run costs $25.

This year's Copper Haul Twister League will have six races, starting in mid-November. 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 for first.

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

Lee Kirkpatrick has been on a tear the past couple years in league competition and is currently the two-time defending champion.

More information about the Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister League or about upcoming races for the 2008-09 season is available on

www.copperhaultwister.blogspot.com.