Press Releases

TO:       All media
FROM:   Pam Beckstrom
DATE:       February 16, 2010, 5:00 p.m.
RELEASE:   Immediately

Four more mushers have crossed the finish line for Race to the Sky 350 mile race. Rick Larson finished at 1:03 with 12 dogs, Jarle Halsnes finished at 1:45 today, Laura Daugereau finished at 2:13, Chris Adkins finished at 3:04 with 12 dogs, Ryne Olson finished this afternoon at 3:22 p.m. Also to finish was Cindy Gallea at 4:10 p.m. with 12 dogs and Lachlan Clarke to finish at 4:20 p.m. with 10 dogs.

On the way to the finish line next will be Steve Madsen, who left Seeley Lake checkpoint at 6:45 a.m. with 11 dogs and is expected to finish.

The next group of mushers to leave Seeley Lake checkpoint after their 6 hour mandatory and on the way to the finish line at Hi Country Snack Foods are:

Kris Hoffman, leaving at 12:38 with 11 dogs
Mark Ibsen, leaving at 1:59 with 11 dogs
Doug Wurzelbacher, leaving at 2:10 with 11 dogs
James Bardoner, leaving at 2:15 with 12 dogs
Megan Routley, leaving at 3:26 with 6 dogs

We should have finishers coming in until early morning Wednesday.

Don’t forget the awards ceremony, 25th silver anniversary on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Community Center, Lincoln, Montana. The public is invited to attend and hear trail stories and listen to the mushers talking about their dogs after dinner.

For more information, please e-mail info@racetothesky.org

FIRST PLACE FINISHER EXPECTED AROUND 11:00 THIS MORNING!

TO: All media

FROM: Pam Beckstrom, pr

RELEASE: Immediately

DATE: February 16, 9:30 a.m.

A winner of the 2010 Race to the Sky 350 mile race is predicted around 11:00 a.m. today. Jarle Halsnes left Seeley Lake at 4:13 a.m. to head to the finish line with 10 dogs. All seven mushers finished a 6 hour mandatory layover before heading to the finish line.

Next in line is Rick Larson at 4:19 with 12 dogs, Laura Daugereau at 4:41 with 8 dogs. Then Chris Adkins at 5:04, Ryne Olson at 6:16, Cindy Gallea at 6:52, Steve Madsen at 6:45 and Lachlan Clarke at 7:36.

Still at Seeley Lake checkpoint doing the mandatory layover is Megan Routley, James Bardoner, Kris Hoffman, Mark Ibsen and Doug Wurzelbacher. They will leave once their layovers are completed.

Join them at the finish line for interviews. Awards ceremony is open to the public and will take place on Wednesday, February 17, 6:00 at the Lincoln Community Hall in Lincoln, Montana.

For further details, please call 406-881-DOGS.

TO: All media

FROM: Pam Beckstrom, PR

RELEASE: Immediately

DATE: February 15, 2010, 11:40 P.M.

Eight mushers for the 2010 Race to the Sky 25^th anniversary race are heading to Seeley Lake checkpoint to take a six hour mandatory rest before leaving for the finish line at Hi Country Snack Foods. Chris Adkins of Sand Coulee, Montana was the first to leave the Condon Wilderness Checkpoint at 5:00 p.m. , followed by Laura Daugereau of Port Gamble, Washington eight minutes later and Jarle Halsnes of Steamboat Springs, Colorado at 5:11 p.m. Next was Rick Larson of Sand Coulee, Montana, Steve Madsen of Cougar, Washington, Ryne Olson of McMillan, Michigan, Cindy Gallea of Seeley Lake, Montana, and Lachlan Clarke of Buena Vista, Colorado at 8:20 p.m. Chris Adkins is expected to reach Seeley Lake around midnight.

Mushers resting at the Condon Wilderness Checkpoint are: Kris Hoffman of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Doug Wurzelbacher of Chilcoot, California, Megan Routley of Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, Mark Ibsen of Helena, Montana, and James Bardoner of Signal Mountain, Tennessee at 10:13 p.m. All are expected to leave during the early morning hours for Seeley Lake.

Once the mushers arrive at Seeley Lake, they will be required to take a six hour rest before heading to the finish line which is about 72 miles from there.

Depending on the weather conditions on Tuesday, we may see a finisher mid-afternoon. If the temperatures reach the 40s, it may be early evening before there is a first place finisher. The dogs love to run at night when the temperatures are cooler.

PRESS RELEASE
Race to the Sky 350 Mile Sled Dog Race

TO:       All Media
FROM:   Pam Beckstrom
RE:       Junior Race to the Sky and Updates #3
RELEASE:   Immediately

The first Junior Race to the Sky finished in the early morning hours of February 15 at the Seeley Lake Trailhead, just outside Seeley Lake, Montana. Five junior racers started out on Sunday, February 14th , at 10:00 a.m. to race 100 continuous miles.

Winning the first-time-ever event was Justin Fink from Gladwin, Michigan crossing the finish line at 1:05 a.m. Monday morning. Next was Jenny Greger of Bozeman, Montana 29 minutes later. Lacey Hart of Livingston, Montana, finished just 10 minutes after Jenny Greger at 2:14 a.m. In fourth place was Eimanne El Zein (Emunn) of Edmonds, Washington and finally Aiyana Ferraro of Victor, Montana.

Aiyana actually had the fastest time on the first half of the inaugural leg of the race from Hi Country Snack Foods until she missed a trail marker and headed back into Hi Country Snack Foods, adding about 12 miles to her race. With a great attitude, she turned the team around when she reached Hi Country Snack Foods and headed to the White Tail Ranch on Saturday early evening.

Justin Fink as winner of the Junior Race to the Sky received $800 in prize money and numerous items donated by businesses. Jenny Greger received $500. All junior mushers cash and prizes.

Winner of the Sportsmanship Award was Aiyana Ferraro of Victor, Montana. Lacey Hart lost her team the first day and it was Aiyana that gave her a ride on her sled to help her regain her team.

Dr. Melanie Donofro, an International Sled Dog Race Veterinarian from Tallahassee, Florida, awarded her with a check for $50 as the Best Cared For Team Award. This coveted award is given to the musher that gives his/her team the best care during the race.

In other race news, the 350 mile race is progressing slowly today as temperatures reached 42 degrees near Seeley Lake. Mushers were waiting for cooler running termperatures this evening.

On their way to the Condon Wilderness Checkpoint were James Bardoner of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, Cindy Gallea of Seeley Lake, Montana, Doug Wurzelbacher of Chilcoot, California, Kris Hoffman of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Megan Routley of Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, and Ryne Olson of McMillan, Michigan. Still in Seeley Lake was Mark Ibsen of Helena, Montana.

Waiting for cooler temperatures and expected to be leaving the Wilderness Checkpoint near Condon at dark were: Rick Larson of Sand Coulee, Montana, Chris Adkins of Sand Coulee, Montana, Jarle Halsnes of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Lachlan Clarke of Buena Vista, Colorado, Laura Daugereau of Port Gamble, Washington, and Steve Madsen of Cougar, Washington.

We’ll let you know as soon as we receive trail updates –who left Owl Creek , in what order, and when.

To: All media
FROM: Pam Beckstrom
(not in cell range currently)
Date: February 14, 2010, 5:45 p.m.
RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY

ALL 5 JUNIOR MUSHERS HAVE ARRIVED AT THE WHITETAIL RANCH. THE FIRST WAS
JUSTIN FINK AT 4:07 P.M AND THE LAST, AIYANA FERRARO ARRIVED AT 5:43 P.M.
IN ORDER WAS JUSTIN FINK, JENNY GREGER, LACEY HART, AIMANNE EL ZEIN AND
AIYANA FERRARO (THE YOUNGEST JUNIOR–12 YEARS OLD).

AIYANA TOOK A WRONG TURN AFTER DOING A LOOP NEAR LINCOLN AND HEADED BACK TO
HI COUNTRY SNACK FOODS. SHE TURNED AROUND AT THE START AND GOT BACK ON THE
TRAIL ADDING ABOUT 10 MILES TO HER RUN TODAY. SHE ARRIVED AT WHITE TAIL
RANCH IN GOOD SPIRITS.

WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE FIRST 350 MILE RACER TO COME IN AT THE WHITE
TAIL RANCH.

THE JUNIORS WILL HAVE A 4 HOUR LAYOVER AT WHITE TAIL RANCH AND THE FIRST CAN
LEAVE JUST AFTER 8:00 P.M. THIS EVENING ON THE WAY TO THE FINISH LINE AT
SEELEY LAKE. THE FINISH LINE WILL BE MORRELL CREEK TRAILHEAD JUST OFF THE
HIGHWAY 83 BEFORE THE COMMUNITY CENTER.

THE DOGS LOVE TO RUN AT NIGHT AND THE FIRST FINISHER COULD FINISH THE 100
MILE RACE AS EARLY AS 2:00 A.M. SUNDAY MORNING.

CHECK WWW.RACETOTHESKY.ORG FOR UPDATES AND I AM USING WIFI THIS YEAR AND
WILL BE HEADING TO SEELEY LAKE AND WILL BE IN CELL RANGE 270-2849 EARLY
MORNING.

THANKS, PAM BECKSTROM, 270-2849

TO: Media
FROM: Pam Beckstrom, PR, 270-2849 (sun, mon)
DATE: February 13, 2010, 10:30 p.m.
RELEASE: Immediately

The official start of the 25th anniversary Race to the Sky got off to a great start on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. Crisp temperatures made for good running the morning.

First into the Elk Park Checkpoint was Jarle Halsnes of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Next was Rick Larson of Sand Coulee, Montana and a minute later was Laura Daugereau. In fourth place was Lachlan Clarke, then Cindy Gallea, Megan Routley, Chris Adkins, Ryne Olson, Doug Wurzelbacher, Mark Ibsen, Steve Madsen, Jim Bardoner, and finally Kris Hoffman. There was less than two hours difference between the first place finisher on Saturday and the final team for that day. Times will be calculated and added to the total trail time for the Saturday run.

All mushers, including the 5 junior Race to the Sky mushers will leave under the start/finish archway at Hi Country Snack Foods, near Lincoln. The juniors will leave for their 100 mile trek at 10:00 a.m. and the 350 mile mushers will leave at noon for the 300 mile continuous portion of their race.

The junior racers will finish near Seeley Lake at the Morrell Creek Trailhead just past the city limits. It was originally planned for the Seeley Lake Community Center but it was determined by race officials that the juniors should finish at the trailhead rather than going through town.

For race updates, please check your local media or www.racetothesky.org

Press Release February 13,2010 Race Update

Results for Rimini to Elk Park Run
Jarle Halsnes                              5:01     12 dogs
Laura Daugereau                       5:08     12 dogs
Rick Larson                                 5:16     12 dogs
Cindy Gallea                               5:17     12 dogs
Lachlan Clarke                            5:20    12 dogs
Ryne Olson                                 5:29    11 dogs
Mark Ibsen                                 5:42    12 dogs
Megan Routley                           5:50     12 dogs
Doug Wurzelbacher                   5:51     12 dogs
Chris Adkins                               5:51:03 12 dogs
Steve Madsen                            6:40     12 dogs
Kris Hoffman                              6:40:20 12 dogs
Jim Bardoner                             6:41       12 dogs

######################

Press Release
June 12,2009

World Premier of Call of the Wild 3D
Took Place in Helena on June 10

By Pam Beckstrom

The movie Call of the Wild 3D premiered in Helena, Montana, on June 10th, at the Great Northern Town Centerafter filming in Montana and during two Race to the Skys, as well. Movie director Richard Gabai, actor Christopher Lloyd, and producers Nancy and John Draper, all from Los Angeles area and the west coast, attended the world premier screening of the film that took about two years in the making. Several schools were selected to view the movie as well as volunteers that assisted Gabai in making the movie.

Call of the Wild 3D was filmed during (and at) the 2007 and 2008 Race to the Sky 350 mile dog sled races. Camera crews went for a ride with two of the Race to the Sky mushers to get film footage and filmed in and near Lincoln, Helena, and Philipsburg, Montana.

The movie is a “kid-friendly” modernized version of Call of the Wild by Jack London. It is great family entertainment and showcases dogsledding in a good light. The house that Gabai filmed as actor Christopher Lloyd ’s house (from the inside) is owned by Montana Mountain Mushers and Race to the Sky volunteers Liz and Jerry Cain. Several of Cain’s dogs are in the movie along with Lincoln residents, Diane Walker and Judy Johnson’s. Many Race to the Sky volunteers assisted with the movie in various ways, including: , snowmobile assistance, cooking, filming on property in and near Lincoln, using sled dogs, and whatever else the film crew needed. Jack, in the movie, is using an Adanac Sled, harnesses and some equipment. It is a heart-warming movie about a city girl spending time with her grandfather in Montana. Check the link below to see where it is playing near you. AND be ready for a down-home adventure, Montana-style.

Jack and I were honored to be at the premier and it was the first and only world movie premier in Montana let alone in Helena. It was fun, kid-oriented, and we left the movie knowing that Richard and his crew understood Montana, cold weather, and dogsledding much better. The movie is opening the weekend of June 13th in eight states (including Montana–Helena, Missoula, and Billings), Romania, with more movie theaters added to the list each week. Go see it, your friends are in it–it is truly a Montana film and you can catch a glimpse of the Race to the Sky trail in some scenes of the movie.

Go to: www.CALLOFTHEWILD3D.COM to find a movie theater near you and support good family entertainment.

PRESS RELEASE

2009 Awards Recap

Thanks to the Pot of Gold, Sled Banner, Microbrew, and Corporate sponsors, many volunteers, media, public, and the hard working dogs. Mike Clasby, MC.

Rob Greger, race marshall and Randy Camper, assistant race marshall received signed prints.

Board members Tracy O’Reilly, Bobbie Pomroy, Shelby Goodman, Ray La Foy, Troy Smith, Bill Smith, and Liz Smith, received framed certificates and special jackets.

Receiving certificates: Pam Beckstrom, education, media, and race secretary; Ken Rosenbaum, Cindy Rosenbaum, Cody and Nathan Rosenbaum, merchandising certificates;

Receiving Veterinarian certificates: Dr. Dave Weinandi, Ronan, Montana and Dr. Sue Geske, Bozeman, Montana, Dr. Laura Ravaschio, Rome, Italy, Dr. Sergio Maffi, Italian Alps, Italy.

Rollie Fisher of Lincoln was honored for his 22 years of service to Race to the Sky. He has been a board member and board secretary in 1986-87, Lincoln trail crew from 1986 on and the longstanding race announcer at Lincoln since the race started at the Seven Up Ranch, Downtown Lincoln, and Hi Country Snack Foods. He was designed the Honorary Trail Boss for Race to the Sky 2009 and received a signed, limited print, signed by all the mushers. This year we passed the microphone to Todd Fisher, his son and he received a certificate for announcing at Lincoln at Saturday’s start.

Certificates: Cara Greger, Penny Tushingham, Grace Ibsen, and Marla Rogers, vet check, Helena; Shelby Goodman, Glen Goodman, Mike Goodman, Bill Spurzem, John Halsteen, Steve McCann, & Boy Scout Troop 211, for business card social and Lincoln start, Judy Johnson, Martha Baker, Deb Sherer and Lincoln Public School for Awards Dinner and Cool Dog, biscuits.

Checkpoint Certificates: Tracy O’Reilly and John Hay, White Tail Ranch, Terry Atha, and Rocky and Jean McCreight for Seeley Lake Checkpoint, Norman Lee for Owl Creek, Terrie & Rob Backus and Kat Clapp checkpoints.

Checkpoints: Jim Johnson received a print for Hi Country Snack Foods finish and headquarters, and Bob and Carol Blanchard received a print for White Tail Ranch checkpoint.

Trail/Snowmobile Clubs: M.U.T.T., Ponderosa Snow Warriors, Helena Snow Drifters, and the Deer Lodge Snowmobile Club, Charlie Ackley, trail advisory, Bill Smith, Jeremy Gebauer, Kirk Barnum, Todd Davis, Avis McCollum, Jim Bach, Jerry Cane, & Lee Denboer received certificates. Jerry Cane, Bill Smith and Jeremy Gebauer received jackets.

Certificates, Kevin Stenjhen, Donnie, Fred Bakki, and Mike Ryan.

Volunteer Certificates: Leslie Berg, Jim Porikoi, Judy Hart, Doris Copenhaver, Ashley Smith, , Kendra
McCann, Sandy Newton, Debbie Sherer, R.M.D.C. volunteer program, Michaella Jamison, Robert Armstrong, Dennis Dietrich, Dan McGowen, and Dave Armstrong.

Beau and Todd Davis of Deer Lodge won the handler Pot of Gold Award for their superb handling, pitching in and helping others. Doug Swingley was a close second for excellent handling. The handler award was sponsored by Montana Sled Dog, Inc.

Shelby Goodman presented gold coins to each musher that carried the white stuffed animal dogs on their sled and picked up the collar at the White Tail Ranch, the bell at Seeley Lake, and the heart at the finish line. Each year the mushers are asked to carry a small token on their sleds.

Mark Ibsen, Helena, Montana and Kurt Reich, Divide, Colorado, did not finish the trail but they were thanked for being part of Race to the Sky 2009.

200 mile race awards
7th place John Cathcart, Helena, Montana, Red Lantern Award and $200 check
6th place Stacy Rader, Seeley Lake, Montana, First Aid Award Texas style band-aids and $300 check
5th place Cindy Gallea, Seeley Lake, Montana, $400 check
4th place Scott Thompson, Trout Lake, Washington, $450 check
3rd place Dee Ogden, Boise, Idaho, vest and $500 check
2nd place Laura Daugereau, Sand Coulee, Montana, vest and $700 check
1st place Rick Larson, jacket, Pot of Gold sponsored by American Federal Savings Bank, Helena and $1,200 check

300 mile race awards
5th place Celeste Davis, Red Lantern Award, $800 check
4th place John Stewart, Scotland, $900 check. Pam Beckstrom presented with a race book, Twenty Years and Still Going to the Dogs, a volunteer pin, and a signed, limited print signed by all the mushers to place in his father’s sled dog museum in the UK
3rd place Scott White, Woodinville, Washington, vest and $1,000 check
2nd place Chris Adkins, Sand Coulee, Montana, vest and $1,500 check
1st place Mark Stamm, Riverside, Washington, two time race champion, jacket, Pot of Gold Certificate for first place finish sponsored by Bank of the Rockies of Helena, Montana, Pot of Gold Award for fastest time into White Tail Checkpoint sponsored by First Community Bank of Helena, and fastest time into Seeley Lake Checkpoint sponsored by American Federal Savings Bank of Helena, and a $2,500 check

Dr. Sue Geske of Bozeman presented the Best Cared for Team Award to Laura Daugereau for superb dog care at this year’s race. Honorable mentions went to Mark Stamm, Dee Ogden, and John Stewart. She received a plaque and $500 cash.

Stacy Rader received the Sportsmanship Award for being a good sport after receiving a large gash and 4 stitches at the start of the race and finishing the race. Honorable mentions went to Rick Larson who helped round out Dee Ogden’s team and Scott White for making sure trail signs got changed before Mark Stamm went to the finish line. Stacy received a plaque made by Shelby Goodman and a 12 dog cable reflective towline donated at Adanac Sleds and Equipment.

Bobbie Pomroy was presented with a plaque for her 11 years as race manager. She is retiring this year.

Great trail, high caliber teams, wonderful volunteers, and generous sponsors. Join us next year for the party of year—our 25th anniversary for Race to the Sky.

24th Annual Race to the Sky –More Finishers

TO: All media
FROM: Pam Beckstrom, 881-DOGS, www.racetothesky.org
RELEASE: Immediately –Final Press Release February 16, 11 p.m.

Celeste Davis of Deer Lodge, Montana, took the Red Lantern Award for the 2009 Race to the Sky finishing at Hi Country Snack Foods in Lincoln at 10:54 Monday evening with 9 dogs.

That concludes this year’s Race to the Sky. The public is invited to attend the Awards Ceremony at Lincoln Community Hall, Lincoln, Montana, at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 17th.

300 mile official finishers in order of finish:

#1 Mark Stamm, Riverside, Washington, finished at 11:32 Monday morning with 11 dogs
#2 Chris Adkins, Sand Coulee, Montana, finished at 1:35 Monday afternoon with 10 dogs
#3 Scott White, Woodinville, Washington, finished at 1:47 Monday afternoon with 8 dogs
#4 John Stewart, Lincoln, Montana, finished at 3:12 Monday afternoon with 11dogs
#5 Celeste Davis, Deer Lodge, Montana, finished at 10:54 Monday evening with 9 dogs

200 mile official finishers in order of finish:

1st Rick Larson of Sand Coulee, Montana, finishing at 12:11 Monday morning with 10 dogs
2nd Laura Daugereau of Sand Coulee, Montana, finishing at 1:00 Monday morning with 11 dogs
3rd Dee Ogden of Boise, Idaho, finishing at 3:35 Monday morning with 9 dogs
4th Scott Thompson of Trout Lake, Washington, finishing at 5:57 Monday morning with 10 dogs
5th Cindy Gallea of Seeley Lake, Montana, finishing at 9:02 Monday morning with 10 dogs
6th Stacy Rader of Seeley Lake, Montana, finishing at 9:03 Monday morning with 9 dogs
7th John Cathcart of Helena, Montana, finishing at 2:27 Monday afternoonwith 8 dogs

As the winner of the 300 mile Race to the Sky, Mark Stamm has already won two Pots of Gold for the fastest times into White Tail Checkpoint sponsored by First Community bank of Helena and the fastest time into Seeley Lake Checkpoint sponsored by American Federal Savings Bank of Helena and will receive an additional Pot of Gold for the first place finish sponsored by Bank of the Rockies of Helena, Montana. The Pot of Gold containers are filled with gold coins.

As the winner of the 200 mile Race to the Sky, Rick Larson will receive a Pot of Gold sponsored by R & R Pet Food, an Eagle Pet Food Distributor from Lewiston, Idaho. The Pot of Gold is filled with gold coins.

Mark Ibsen of Helena, Montana and Kurt Reich of Divide, Colorado withdrew from the race.

The public is encouraged to support the final teams of the 300 mile race at the finish at Hi Country Snack Foods. Watch for updates.

The public is invited to attend the awards ceremony tomorrow evening at 6:00 at Lincoln Community Hall in Lincoln, Montana to share trail stories with the teams and join in their celebration. No tickets are necessary, donations for dinner are graciously accepted.

Updates are also being published on www.racetothesky.org. and these press releases are published on the website under press releases on the screen. RESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE
24th Annual Race to the Sky –More Finishers

TO: All media
FROM: Pam Beckstrom, 881-DOGS, www.racetothesky.org
RELEASE: Immediately —-#10 February 16, 4:00 p.m.

Two more finishers for each race have crossed the finish lines at Seeley Lake and Hi Country Snack Foods near Lincoln. John Cathcart finished at Seeley Lake at 2:27 p.m. Monday (200 mile race) with 8 dogs and John Stewart finished at Hi Country Snack Foods at 3:12 p.m. Monday (300 mile race). Celeste Davis is expected to finish at Hi Country Snack Foods around 10:00 p.m. Monday. That will wrap up the Race to the Sky for 2009 except for the Awards Ceremony Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at Lincoln Community Center.

200 mile race official finishers in order of finish:

Mark Ibsen of Helena, Montana and Kurt Reich of Divide, Colorado withdrew from the race.

The public is encouraged to support the final teams of the 300 mile race at the finish at Hi Country Snack Foods. Watch for updates.

Updates are also being published on www.racetothesky.org. and these press releases are published on the website under press releases on the screen.

TO: All media
FROM: Pam Beckstrom, 881-DOGS, www.racetothesky.org
RELEASE: Immediately —-#9 February 16, 4:00 p.m.

Chris Adkins of Sand Coulee, Montana crossed under the finish archway at Hi Country Snack Foods in Lincoln at 1:35 Monday with 10 dogs. He was followed 12 minutes later by Scott White of Woodinville, Washington with 8 dogs.

#1 Mark Stamm, Riverside, Washington, finished at 11:32 a.m. Monday with 11 dogs
#2 Chris Adkins, Sand Coulee, Montana, finished at 1:35 p.m. Monday with 10 dogs
#3 Scott White, Woodinville, Washington, finished at 1:47 p.m. Monday with 8 dogs

John Stewart of Scotland by way of Lincoln, Montana, is expected momentarily to the finish line. Celeste Davis of Deer Lodge, Montana, left Seeley Lake Checkpoint for the 74 mile race to the finish at 11:51 a.m. Monday with 8 dogs. She is expected to arrive at Hi Country Snack Foods in Lincoln around 8:00 tonight. Kurt Reich arrived at Seeley Lake at 10:45 a.m. Monday for his six hour mandatory layover and could leave at 4:45 this evening on his way to the finish. John Cathcart of Helena, Montana, is on his way to the Seeley Lake finish for the 200 mile race. He left Owl Creek at 6:32 Monday morning.

200 mile race in order of standing:
1st Rick Larson of Sand Coulee, Montana, finishing at 12:11 this morning with 10 dogs
2nd Laura Daugereau of Sand Coulee, Montana, finishing at 1:00 with 11 dogs
3rd Dee Ogden of Boise, Idaho, finishing at 3:35 with 9 dogs
4th Scott Thompson of Trout Lake, Washington, finishing at 5:57 with 10 dogs
5th Cindy Gallea of Seeley Lake, Montana, finishing at 9:02
6th Stacy Rader of Seeley Lake, Montana, finishing at 9:03

The public is encouraged to support the teams at the 200 mile finish at Seeley Lake Checkpoint and the 300 mile finish at Hi Country Snack Foods. Teams will be coming into Hi Country Snack Foods all morning and it is predicted John Cathcart will finish the 200 sometime early this afternoon. Watch for updates.

Updates are also being published on www.racetothesky.org. and these press releases are published on the website under press releases on the screen.

24th Annual Race to the Sky Has 300 Mile Finisher at 11:32

TO: All media
FROM: Pam Beckstrom, 881-DOGS, www.racetothesky.org
RELEASE: Immediately —-#8 February 16, 11:50 a.m.

Mark Stamm crossed the finish line at Hi Country Snack Foods in Lincoln at 11:32 a.m. with 11 dogs under sunny skies and a slight breeze. Expected to follow him across within the next 2 hours are Chris Adkins who left Seeley Lake at 3:47, Scott White who left at 3:54 and John Stewart who left at 4:55. It took Mark approximately 9 hours to run the 74 miles to the finish which included resting on the trail. Still to finish is Celeste Davis and Kurt Reich of the 300 mile race and John Cathcart of the 200 mile finish.

Updates are also being published on www.racetothesky.org. and these press releases are published on the website under press releases on the screen.

Updates are also being published on www.racetothesky.org. and these press releases are published on the website under press releases on the left side of the screen.

PRESS RELEASE

24th Annual Race to the Sky 200 has Finishers
300 Winner Predicted this Morning

TO: All media
FROM: Pam Beckstrom, 881-DOGS, www.racetothesky.org
RELEASE: Immediately —-#7 February 16, 9:30 a.m.

Race to the Sky 200 mile has more finishers while Race to the Sky 300 mile is expecting the first of the finishers this morning.

In order of standing:
1st Rick Larson of Sand Coulee, Montana, finishing at 12:11 this morning with 10 dogs
2nd Laura Daugereau of Sand Coulee, Montana, finishing at 1:00 with 11 dogs
3rd Dee Ogden of Boise, Idaho, finishing at 3:35 with 9 dogs
4th Scott Thompson of Trout Lake, Washington, finishing at 5:57 with 10 dogs
5th Cindy Gallea of Seeley Lake, Montana, finishing at 9:02
6th Stacy Rader of Seeley Lake, Montana, finishing at 9:03

John Cathcart left Owl Creek Checkpoint at 6:30 a.m. and will be the final finisher in the 200 mile race.

As the winner of the 200 mile Race to the Sky, Rick Larson will receive a Pot of Gold sponsored by R & R Pet Food, an Eagle Pet Food Distributor from Lewiston, Idaho, prize money and a champion coat. The Pot of Gold is filled with gold coins.

Mark Stamm is predicted to be crossing the finish line after the 74 mile to the finish at Hi Country Snack Foods near Lincoln around 9:30 this morning with 11 dogs. Mark already won two Pots of Gold for the fastest times into White Tail Checkpoint and the fastest time into Seeley Lake Checkpoint.

Next leaving the last checkpoint to the finish was Chris Adkins of Sand Coulee, Montana at 3:47 with 10 dogs, Scott White at 3:54 with 8 dogs, and John Stewart at 4:55 with 11 dogs. Celeste Davis is on her 6 hour mandatory rest until 11:37 today and will most likely head to the finish line at that time. Kurt Reich is on the trail to Seeley Lake, leaving Owl Creek at 2:07 this morning and is expected in any minute for his 6 hour mandatory rest before running to the finish line at Lincoln.

Updates are also being published on www.racetothesky.org and these press releases are published on the website under press releases on the left side of the screen.

Rick Larson Wins the 2009 Race to the Sky
200 Mile Dog Sled Race a Pot of Gold

TO: All media
FROM: Pam Beckstrom, 881-DOGS, www.racetothesky.org
RELEASE: Immediately —-#6 February 16, 12:20 a.m.

Rick Larson of Sand Coulee, Montana, became the winner of the 24th Race to the Sky 200 miler at 12:11 this morning. He finished with 10 dogs. Laura Daugereau of Sand Coulee, Montana was expected to finish in second place sometime around 1:00 a.m. tonight. No official time has been received for her yet.

Mark Stamm is leading the 300 mile race and is resting at the 6 hour mandatory layover at Seeley Lake Checkpoint before the 74 mile leg to the finish at Hi Country Snack Foods near Lincoln. It is estimated the 300 mile winner will finish under the archway around 9:00 a.m. on Monday morning.

The public is encouraged to support the teams at the 200 mile finish at Seeley Lake Checkpoint and the 300 mile finish at Hi Country Snack Foods. There is lots more action with the Race to the Sky to come.

Updates are also being published on www.racetothesky.org. and these press releases are published on the website under press releases on the left side of the screen.

I knew the minute I sent update #4, I would get a confirmation on Rick and
Laura.Rick Larson did in fact leave at 6:33 p.m. this evening with Laura
Daugereau following at 6:57 this evening. It is 43 miles to the finish and
Mark Stamm just finished that leg in 5 hours and 4 minutes with 11 dogs.
It looks like an 11:30 finish for the 200 at Seeley Lake tonight is a good
prediction.Hope you can make it to the finishes.

Winner of 300 probably around 10:30 tomorrow morning at Hi Country Snack
Foods, Lincoln.

Fax me at 406-881-2908, e-mail me at info@racetothesky.org or call
406-881-DOGS if you need more information.

PAM BECKSTROM, MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS RELEASE

200 Mile Finisher Scheduled Tonight in Seeley Lake
Pot of Gold Winners Announced

TO: All media
FROM: Pam Beckstrom, 881-DOGS, http://www.racetothesky.org
RELEASE: Immediately —-#4 February 15, 8:30 p.m. Press Release

Race officials predict there will be a 200 mile finish around 11:30 tonight at Seeley Lake Checkpoint. It is expected that Rick Larson of Sand Coulee, Montana has left Owl Creek on the final 43 mile leg to the finish of the 200 mile race followed by Laura Daugereau of Sand Coulee, Montana. Rick could leave at 6:33 p.m. and Laura could leave at 6:57 p.m. tonight for the finish. No official departure time has been verified at this time, however.
The public is invited to watch the finish of the 200 mile race at Seeley Lake Checkpoint tonight and tomorrow and the 300 mile race at Hi Country Snack Foods tomorrow morning into Tuesday noon.

Mark Stamm (300 mile) arrived at Seeley Lake at 8:34 this evening with 12 dogs and will be resting there for a 6 hour mandatory rest. Therefore, he could leave Seeley Lake to make the final 74 mile leg to the finish at Hi Country Snack Foods near Lincoln at 2:34 a.m. Monday and could finish the 300 mile race as soon as 10:30 a.m. Monday. He is followed by Chris Adkins (300 mile) who left Owl Creek Wilderness Checkpoint at 3:50 this afternoon, Scott White (300 mile) at 4:02, and John Stewart (300 mile) at 5:23 p.m. They are making their way on the 43 mile leg to Seeley Lake Checkpoint and a 6 hour mandatory rest before the final 74 mile leg to the finish at Hi Country Snack Foods near Lincoln.

Still at Owl Creek Wilderness Checkpoint were Dee Ogden (200 mile), arriving at 3:36 p.m. and Celeste Davis (200 mile) arriving at 6:02 p.m.

On the trail to Owl Creek are Kurt Reich (300 mile) and 200 mile teams Cindy Gallea, Stacy Rader, Scott Thompson, and John Cathcart.

Mark Ibsen of Helena, Montana, withdrew at Seeley Lake this afternoon and is the only withdrawal thus far.

Mark Stamm of Riverside, Washington, was the winner of the Pot of Gold sponsored by First Community Bank of Helena with the fastest time of 5 hours 13 minutes to White Tail Checkpoint. Mark Stamm also won the Pot of Gold sponsored by American Federal Savings Bank of Helena for the fastest time of 5 hours and 4 minutes to Seeley Lake Checkpoint. The fastest time into the two checkpoints wins a Pot of Gold filled with gold coins. The first place winners of the 200 and 300 mile races will also receive a Pot of Gold along with a favorite handler.

Trail conditions continue to be perfect for the teams with just a skiff of snow reported on the trail and perfect temperatures this evening.

As information become available, updates will be published on www.racetothesky.org.

New Team Times as of 7:30 PM Sunday 02/15/09

http://www.racetothesky.org/2009/raceupdate09-6.html

200 Mile Teams will be making their way to the finish line late this evening

TO: All media
FROM: Pam Beckstrom, 881-DOGS, www.racetothesky.org
RELEASE: Immediately —-#3 February 15, 4:00 p.m. Press Release

The first of the 300 mile teams to arrive at Owl Creek Wilderness Checkpoint was Mark Stamm from Riverside, Washington, with 12 dogs. Next was Chris Adkins of Sand Coulee, Montana, at 12:27 with 11 dogs and Scott White of Woodinville, Washington, at 12:36 p.m. with ll dogs. The first to arrive at Owl Creek Wilderness Checkpoint for their 6 hour mandatory was Rick Larson of Sand Coulee, Montana, at 12:33 with 10 dogs, Laura Daugereau of Sand Coulee, Montana, arrived at Owl Creek at 12:57 with 12 dogs. Celeste Davis and John Stewart were expected into Owl Creek Wilderness Checkpoint shortly.

All 200 mile teams have a 6 hour mandatory layover at Owl Creek Wilderness Checkpoint before their finish at Seeley Lake Checkpoint later this evening. The 300 mile teams could take a rest and continue to their 6 hour mandatory at Seeley Lake Checkpoint before their finish at Hi Country Snack Foods tomorrow.

All the rest of the 200 and 300 mile teams are on their way to Owl Creek except Mark Ibsen of Helena who is resting at Seeley Lake Checkpoint at press time.

Celeste Davis, Kurt Reich, John Stewart, (all 300 mile teams) Scott Thompson, John Cathcart, Dee Odgen, Cindy Gallea and Stacy Rader (all 200 mile teams) are all expected to arrive at Owl Creek sometime this afternoon on the 52 mile leg of Race to the Sky 2009.

Weather conditions at Seeley Lake this afternoon were low 30s and sunny. Some of the 300 mile teams will wait another hour until it gets cooler to continue to Seeley Lake. The first team to be able to leave Owl Creek to the finish will be Rick Larson no sooner than 6:33 p.m. this evening. Rick Larson and Laura Daugereau traveled from Seeley Lake to Owl Creek earlier today in about 8 hours but with cooler temperatures predicted for this evening, they may finish near midnight tonight.

The public is encouraged the follow the teams and show support at the finish line of the 200 Sunday late evening and into Monday at Seeley Lake Checkpoint and for the 300 mile teams which will finish Monday at Hi Country Snack Foods 2 miles from Lincoln. Updates will be forthcoming regarding projected finish times for the teams entered in both the 200 and 300 mile races.

BUSY NIGHT AT WHITE TAIL RANCH
RACE TO THE SKY RACERS ON THEIR WAY TO
SEELEY LAKE AND OWL CREEK

TO: All media
FROM: Pam Beckstrom, 881-DOGS
RELEASE: Immediately
#2 February 15, 8:30 a.m. Press Release

Race to the Sky teams are making great time with some of the best trail conditions Race organizer Pam Beckstrom has seen for a while. “It’s great to see smiles on the musher’s faces with a great trail. There is nothing better than being able to run your team on an awesome trail.” Six teams have already come and gone from Seeley Lake Checkpoint early this morning on their way to Owl Creek Wilderness Checkpoint approximately 52 miles. The first to leave Seeley Lake was Rick Larson of Sand Coulee, Montana (200 mile race) at 4:31 followed by Laura Daugereau of Sand Coulee, Montana (200 mile race) at 4:51 a.m. Next was Celeste Davis of Deer Lodge, Montana (300 mile race) at 5:48, Mark Stamm of Riverside, Washington (300 mile race) at 6:53, Chris Adkins at 7:02 and Scott White at 7:33.

Four teams are resting at Seeley Lake Checkpoint from the 55 mile trail from White Tail Ranch early this morning. They are John Stewart of Scotland (300 mile race), Scott Thompson of Trout Lake, Washington, Dee Ogden of Boise, Idaho and Kurt Reich of Divide, Colorado (300 mile race).

Expected into Seeley Lake are Mark Ibsen of Helena, Montana, John Cathcart of Helena, Montana, Cindy Gallea of Seeley Lake, Montana and Stacy Rader of Seeley Lake Montana. The last team to leave White Tail Ranch was Cindy Gallea at 2:11 a.m. and Stacy Rader at 2:12.

Pam Beckstrom, race organizer states the trails are the best that she can remember and the mushers are enthusiastic about the trail conditions. Seeley Lake received about 2 inches of snow and there were lots of elk. It is snowing near Seeley Lake at press time this morning. Heavy snow accumulations could slow teams.

The 200 mile teams will have a mandatory 6 hour layover at Owl Creek Wilderness Checkpoint on their way to the finish today sometime at Seeley Lake Community Center.

The public is encouraged the follow the teams and show support at the finish line of the 200 Sunday evening and into Monday and for the 300 mile teams which will finish sometime tomorrow late afternoon or early evening into Tuesday noon.

PRESS RELEASE
FIVE RACE TO THE SKY 300 RACERS INTO WHITE TAIL RANCH
Midnight, February 14th, 2009

TO: All Media
FROM: Pam Beckstrom
881-DOGS
Release #1

RELEASE: Immediately

All six of the Race to the Sky 300 teams have arrived at the White Tail Ranch Checkpoint. This is the first official checkpoint for this year’s Race to the Sky 300.

In first place was Mark Stamm with a time of 5 hours 13 minutes, John Stewart with a time of 5 hours 34 minutes, Scott White with a time of 5 hours 35 minutes, Chris Adkins with a time of 5 hours 37 minutes, and Celeste Davis with a time of f hours and 51 minutes. At press time Kurt Reich was expected to arrive at White Tail Ranch shortly.

Each team must stay at least 4 hours at the White Tail Ranch plus their start times. This is a way to equalize the times. Once the mushers leave White Tail Ranch, the first team across the finish line will be the winner.

Mark Stamm will stay at the White Tail Ranch at least 4 hours and 10 minutes and Celeste Davis will stay at least 4 hours and 20 minutes to equalize their starting times.

There is a Pot of Gold Award that will be given to the team with the fastest time to the White Tail Ranch. This is a new award and is sponsored First Community Bank of Helena. Each musher that is awarded the Pot of Gold will be given a pot with gold coins in it. The next Pot of Gold is the fastest time to Seeley Lake Checkpoint. The race will announce the Pot of Gold winner as soon as all the 200 mile teams arrive at the White Tail Checkpoint this evening.

The finish of the 200 Mile Race will be Sunday evening at Seeley Lake Checkpoint. The public is invited to see the 200 mile teams finish. The 300 Mile finish is schedule for Monday (tentatively) through Tuesday noon at Hi Country Snack Foods. Please come and congratulate the mushers for both races.

For information, contact 881-DOGS, go online at www.racetothesky.org for timesheets and copies of press releases (3 times a day) or to e-mail race officials.

Press Release

TO: All media
RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT: Pam Beckstrom, 881-DOGS
DATE: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 10:00 p.m.

There are fourteen mushers currently signed up to run Race to the Sky, Montana’s premier sled dog race since 1986. Race to the Sky has added a 200 mile Iditarod qualifier to its already existing 300 mile Iditarod qualifier for the 2009 race. The action starts in Helena on Thursday night for an auction of rides, the vet check on Friday in Helena, and the official start near Lincoln on Saturday. The public is invited to attend all race events and cheer the mushers.

Mushers from Colorado, Montana, Washington, and Idaho will compete in this year’s event.

Currently signed up is Mark Stamm of Riverside, Washington (300 mile race), 2007 champion. Other returning mashers in the 300 mile Race to the Sky are Chris Adkins of Sand Coulee, Montana, Celeste Davis of Deer Lodge, Montana, and Scott White of Woodinville, Washington. New mushers to Race to the Sky include Kurt Reich of Divide, Colorado and John Stewart of Lincoln, Montana.

Familiar mushers signed up to run the 200 mile Race to the Sky are Cindy Gallea of Seeley Lake, Montana, Rick Larson of Sand Coulee, Montana, Scott Thompson of Trout Lake, Washington, Mark Ibsen of Helena, Montana, and Laura Daugereau. New mashers to Race to the Sky 200 are Dee Ogden of Boise, Idaho, Stacy Rader of Seeley Lake, Montana, and John Cathcart of Helena, Montana.

Occupations for this year’s mushers include boat builder, physician, firefighter, nurse practitioner, contractor, pastor, commercial diver, nurse, Mr. Mom, lumberyard worker, construction worker, information system specialist, and equipment operator.

Five mushers will finish the Race to the Sky and head for Iditarod this year. They are Cindy Gallea, Rick Larson, Laura Daugereau, Kurt Reich and John Stewart. Both the 300 and 200 mile Race to the Sky races are Iditarod qualifiers.

Follow their progress by visiting www.racetothesky.org to see updates three times daily and to view any last minute entries.

Updated Schedule of Events for
Race to the Sky is Announced

Press Release

TO: All media
RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT: Pam Beckstrom, 881-DOGS
DATE: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 9:30 p.m.

There are fourteen mushers currently signed up to run Race to the Sky, Montana’s premier sled dog race since 1986. Race to the Sky has added a 200 mile Iditarod qualifier to the already scheduled 300 mile Iditarod qualifier with pre-race activities scheduled to start on Thursday evening with the Business Card Social and Ride Auction at 5:00 at Park Plaza in Helena. The public is encouraged to attend the social and bid on rides to take place at the official start of the race at Lincoln on Saturday, February 14th. It is a great opportunity to support the race and buy that special Valentine a ride on a racing dogsled team.
Friday morning, 11:00-2:00 p.m. on the upper end of the Walking Mall on Last Chance Gulch, near the Lewis and Clark Public Library, will be the vet check. This year there will be two International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association veterinarians from Italy assisting local vets to give the sled dogs their physicals before the races. The Public Library will be on the walking mall with exhibits and reading dog mushing books in conjunction with the Big Read that has been going on all month.

Saturday morning marks the official start of the Race to the Sky 300 and 200 mile races at noon under the archway at Hi Country Snack Foods just outside Lincoln. Come and watch the dogs in their excitement to get started.

The mushers have until noon on Tuesday to finish both races and an awards ceremony will take place at Lincoln Community Center starting at 6:00 p.m. that evening.
The public is encouraged to attend all events and show support of the teams.
Race updates will be published on the race website at www.racetothesky.org three times a day during the race or catch all the action through the media.

Press Release

January 12,2009

IMPORTANT RACE TO THE SKY CHANGES FOR FEBRUARY 2009 RACE

The Race to the Sky is simplifying the race form for next month’s race. The staged format will be deleted for this year and the trail will run from Lincoln to Seeley Lake (or Owl Creek) and back to Lincoln (Hi Country Snack Foods) to make a 300 continuous mile trail. The race will start on Saturday, February 14th at noon from Hi Country Snack Foods in Lincoln. There will be a required vet check and business card social pre-race but we are compacting the schedule for the mushers this year. The awards ceremony will be Tuesday night in Lincoln. We hope that the simplification will be an added plus for teams desiring to do the Race to the Sky. There will be an updated schedule on Race to the Sky’s website later this week . If you have any questions, please e-mail or call us and we will be happy to assist you. We will extend the early deadline to January 20 for those of you desiring to enter this changed format.
thanks, pam beckstrom, race secretary (on behalf of the board of directors for Race to the Sky) 881-DOGS or info@racetothesky.org

Press Release

Race to the Sky is has added a
Butte-to-Helena Leg for 2009 Race

Race to the Sky officials have announced that Race to the Sky has added a new portion of trail to this year’s 400+ mile dogsled race. Race to the Sky has been Montana’s premier winter sporting event for 24 years. Entries are being accepted and excitement is high for the change in the race format.

The festivities start Thursday, February 12, with pre-race events in Helena. From 11:00-2:00, the vet check will take place in Downtown Helena and a Business Card Social where rides will be auctioned. The public will be able to meet the mushers during the social starting at 5:00 p.m. at Park Plaza in Helena.

On Friday, February 13, the first of three legs will commence from Deer Lodge to Butte. There will be a Meet the Mushers and Ceremonial start on Main Street in Deer Lodge from noon until 2:00 followed by festivities all afternoon in Deer Lodge and a Dinner at 6:00. The teams will leave Orofino Snowmobile Parking Lot, just outside Deer Lodge at 5:30 and finish near Butte between 9:00 and 11:30 p.m. that evening.

On Saturday, February 14, the second leg of the race will follow the Meet the Mushers in Downtown Butte from 9:00-noon with the restart staged near Butte at 2:00 p.m. Teams are expected to finish at Historic Camp Rimini, near Helena, between 7:00-11:00 p.m. that evening.

On Sunday, February 15, teams will restart at 11:00 at Hi Country Snack Foods for all racers wishing to run the continuous 300 mile portion of the race with a noon restart for all staged mushing teams. An awards ceremony will follow the finish of the staged race at Hi Country Snack Foods in Lincoln. The public is invited.

The continuous portion of the Race to the Sky will finish between Tuesday afternoon, February 17 and Wednesday afternoon, February 18 by 4:00 p.m. The Awards Ceremony will follow at 6:00 p.m. at Lincoln Community Center. The public is invited to watch all the events and attend the Awards Ceremonies.

Teams may run he three legs from Deer Lodge to Butte, Butte to Camp Rimini, and Lincoln Loop only or they can choose to run all three legs plus the continuous part of Race to the Sky. By adding a new staged race in addition to the continuous race, officials hope to see more competitors entering Race to the Sky.

The Race to the Sky always needs volunteers to assist in the following areas: Helena, Deer Lodge, Butte (near Walkerville), Camp Rimini, Lincoln, Seeley Lake, and all events in between. No experience is necessary but it is a great chance to meet some very nice people. If you would like to volunteer, please e-mail the Race to the Sky at info@racetothesky.org or call the race number at 406-881-DOGS for more specific information.

If you would like to receive press releases about Race to the Sky, simply e-mail us at info@racetothesky.org with your name and e-mail address. Press Release 11:00 AM Wed 2-13-08
THE SKY WEDNESDAY FINAL STANDINGS

Race
to the Sky Finishes at 10:00 Wednesday
Public Invited to the Awards Ceremony on Thursday Night

The only event left for this year’s Race to the Sky, 350 Mile Sled Dog
Race, is the awards ceremony on Thursday, February 14th, 6:00 p.m. at
Lincoln Community Center. The public is encouraged to attend this
culmination of the week’s activities. The race started last weekend at Camp
Rimini, near Helena.

The final mushers finished (in order of finish) Lev Shvarts of Winchendon,
Massachusetts, finished at 12:10 a.m. on Wednesday with 7 dogs, Nancy
Yoshida, Thompson, North Dakota, finished at 4:10 a.m. Wednesday morning,
and Bino Fowler of Bend Oregon, at 12:12 a.m. Wednesday morning with 6 dogs.

The winner of this year’s race, Tom Thurston, of Oak Creek, Colorado,
finished with 12 dogs, the number he started with. This is the first time a
winner of the 350 has finished with all 12 dogs starting the race. The
first eight spots have been secured at Montana’s Race to the Sky. First in
at 6:35 a.m. this morning was Tom Thurston, of Oak Creek, Colorado,
finishing with 12 dogs, next was Aaron Peck of Grafton, Ontario, Canada,
finishing at 8:34 a.m., John Barron, Helmville, Montana at 9:48 a.m.,
finishing with 10 dogs, Lachlan Clarke of Buena Vista, Colorado, finishing
with 12 dogs, Celeste Davis of Deer Lodge, Montana, finishing with 9 dogs,
Scott White of Snohomish, Washington finishing with 10 dogs, Chris Adkins at
2:26 p.m. with 9 dogs, Roger Johnson at 2:44 p.m. with 11 dogs, Mark Ibsen
at 5:58 p.m. with 11 dogs, Mike Carmichael at 7:43 p.m with 8 dogs, and
Steve Madsen at 7:46 p.m. with 10 dogs.

The final four mushers have left the White Tail Wilderness Checkpoint for
the finish under the Hi Country Snack Foods archway. Aaron Asay, Lev
Shvarts, Bino Fowler, and Nancy Yoshida left late this afternoon and are
expected at the finish in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Five mushers have withdrawn, Pete Northcutt of Joliet, Montana, Ed Jenkins
of Saskachewan, Canada, Ron Wyatt of Leadville, Colorado, Rick Schwab,
Devils Lake, North Dakota, and Aaron Asay of Eagle Mountain, Utah,
withdrew.

The race trail was shortened to accommodate a section of trail from Seeley
Lake Checkpoint to Owl Creek Wilderness Checkpoint that was drifted and
under about four feet of snow on Sunday night. The Wilderness Checkpoint
was moved to White Tail Ranch and the race shortened just over 50 miles
for a quicker finish.

PRESS RELEASE: Tuesday, February 12, 2008, 10:30 p.m.
CONTACT: Pam Beckstrom, Race Secretary/PR, 881-DOGS
RELEASE: Immediately

RACE TO
THE SKY 10:00 P.M. TUESDAY PRESS RELEASE

A Total of 11 Mushers Complete 2008 Race to the
Sky, 350 Mile Sled Dog Race As of Tuesday Evening

The first eight spots have been secured at Montana’s Race to the Sky. First
in at 6:35 a.m. this morning was Tom Thurston, of Oak Creek, Colorado,
finishing with 12 dogs, next was Aaron Peck of Grafton, Ontario, Canada,
finishing at 8:34 a.m., John Barron, Helmville, Montana at 9:48 a.m.,
finishing with 10 dogs, Lachlan Clarke of Buena Vista, Colorado, finishing
with 12 dogs, Celeste Davis of Deer Lodge, Montana, finishing with 9 dogs,
Scott White of Snohomish, Washington finishing with 10 dogs, Chris Adkins
at 2:26 p.m. with 9 dogs, Roger Johnson at 2:44 p.m. with 11 dogs, Mark
Ibsen at 5:58 p.m. with 11 dogs, Mike Carmichael at 7:43 p.m with 8 dogs,
and Steve Madsen at 7:46 p.m. with 10 dogs.

Four mushers have withdrawn, Pete Northcutt of Joliet, Montana, Ed Jenkins
of Saskachewan, Canada, Ron Wyatt of Leadville, Colorado, and the latest,
Rick Schwab, Devils Lake, North Dakota, withdrew after he missed running a
section of trail to the finish.

To view the mushers’ progress or press releases on the home page, go to
www.racetothesky.org

> PRESS RELEASE: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:30 a.m.
> CONTACT: Pam Beckstrom, 881-DOGS or 270-2849 (only Tuesday
> evening)
> RELEASE: Immediately
>
>
> RACE TO THE SKY PRESS RELEASE
>
> More Finishers to
> 2008 Race to the Sky, 350 Mile Sled Dog Race

>The first six spots have been secured at Montana’s Race to the Sky. First
>in at 6:35 a.m. this morning was Tom Thurston, of Oak Creek, Colorado,
>finishing with 12 dogs, next was Aaron Peck of Grafton, Ontario, Canada,
>finishing at 8:34 a.m., John Barron, Helmville, Montana at 9:48 a.m.,
>finishing with 10 dogs, Lachlan Clarke of Buena Vista, Colorado, finishing
>with 12 dogs, Celeste Davis of Deer Lodge, Montana, finishing with 9 dogs,
>and Scott White of Snohomish, Washington finishing with 10 dogs. We
>believe this is the first time a musher has won the Race to the Sky 350 and
>finished with all 12 original dogs (there is no switching or adding of dogs
>once they are dropped from the team).

The next group of mushers to leave White Tail Wilderness Checkpoint headed
to the finish are: Chris Adkins (left at 6:40 a.m.) with 9 dogs, Roger
Johnson (left at 7:09 a.m.) with 11 dogs, Rick Schwab (left at 7:09 a.m.)
with 10 dogs, Mark Ibsen (left at 10:47 a.m.) with 11 dogs, Mike Carmichael
(left at 11:21 a.m.) with 8 dogs, and Steve Madsen (left at 11:29 a.m.) with
ll dogs. All six are expected in at the Hi Country Snack Foods finish
archway this evening with the first 3 coming in early evening. The finish
line is 54 miles from White Tail .

The remaining four mushers all arrived at the White Tail Wilderness
Checkpoint within about 30 minutes of each other in order of arrival: Aaron
Asay at 9:33 a.m. Tuesday, with 12 dogs, Lev Shvarts at 9:39 a.m. with 8
dogs, Bino Fowler at 9:49 a.m. with 7 dogs, and Nancy Yoshida at 9:49 a.m.
with 11 dogs. These four teams are required to take at least a six hour
mandatory layover at the Wilderness Checkpoint.

Three mushers have withdrawn, Pete Northcutt of Joliet, Montana, Ed Jenkins
of Saskachewan, Canada, and Ron Wyatt of Leadville, Colorado.

Press Release 10:00 AM Tuesday 2-11-08

Race to the Sky has a 2008 WINNER!

Tom Thurston of Oak Creek, Colorado crossed the finish line at Hi Country
Snack Foods at 6:35 a.m. with 12 dogs. He left at 12:27 for the final leg
of the race which is 54 miles. He placed 3rd in last year’s Race to the
Sky and this is his third finish at Race to the Sky. Last month he won the
Seeley Lake 200. He has been mushing for eight years and races Swingley
lines.

Still on the trail are (in order of leaving times at the White Tail), Aaron
Peck (1:53 a.m. with 5 dogs), John Barron (2:40 a.m. with 10 dogs), Celeste
Davis (4:14 with 9 dogs), Scott White (4:16 with 10 dogs), Lachlan Clarke
(4:20 a.m. with 12 dogs), Chris Adkins (6:43 a.m. with 9 dogs), Roger
Johnson (7:09 with 11 dogs), and Rich Schwab (7:09 a.m. with 10 dogs.

At the White Tail Wilderness Checkpoint are Mike Carmichael, arriving at
3:54 with 8 dogs, Steve Madsen arriving at 4:35 with 11 dogs, and Mark Ibsen
arriving at 4:41 with 12 dogs. They have a 6 hour mandatory rest before
proceeding to the finish line.

Still on the trail to White Tail are Aaron Asay, Bino Fowler, Nancy Yoshida,
and Lev Shvarts. They are all expected to arrive at the White Tail this
morning to take their 6 hour rests.

Three mushers have withdrawn, Pete Northcutt of Joliet, Montana, Ed Jenkins
of Saskachewan, Canada, and Ron Wyatt of Leadville, Colorado.

PRESS RELEASE

11:00
p.m. Monday, February 11

Winner Predicted Early
Tuesday Morning at Hi Country

The Race to the Sky may have a winner early Tuesday morning according to
race officials. The winner may come across the finish archway at Hi Country
Snack Foods by 5:30 a.m.

Tom Thurston, Oak Creek, Colorado, arrived at the White Tail Wilderness
Checkpoint at 5:27 p.m. this evening followed by Aaron Peck of Grafton,
Ontario, Canada at 6:53 p.m. Both mushers will have a mandatory 7 hour
layover before proceeding to the finish at Hi Country Snack Foods. The
earliest he could leave would be at 12:27 a.m. Tuesday morning. The run to
the finish is 54 miles which will take approximately 5 hours.

John Barron arriving at 8:40 p.m., Lachlan Clarke arriving at 9:16, Celeste
Davis arriving at 10:04, and Scott White arriving at 10:09, are all resting
at the White Tail Wilderness Checkpoint. They will have a mandatory 6 hour
layover. The difference in mandatory layovers between Thurston and Peck
and the rest of the teams was done because all but the first two mushers
were held at Seeley Lake checkpoint until trail conditions were assessed.
Thurston and Peck were already out on the trail and were turned toward White
Tail Ranch.

Still on the trail to White Tail are Chris Adkins, Roger Johnson, Rick
Schwab, Mark Ibsen, Mike Carmichael, Steve Madsen, Aaron Asay, Bino Fowler,
Nancy Yoshida, and Lev Shvarts.

Three mushers have withdrawn, Pete Northcutt of Joliet, Montana, Ed Jenkins
of Saskachewan, Canada, and Ron Wyatt of Leadville, Colorado. Trail
conditions were punchy and slow Monday with a light drizzle this evening.
Four feet of snow slowed the race down considerably as rerouting took place
earlier Monday to avoid a trail that was impassable.

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE 5:30 P.M. MONDAY
Race to the Sky Trail Buried in New Snow Overnight

FROM: Pam Beckstrom, Race to the Sky PR/Secretary, 406-881-DOGS
DATE: 5:30 p.m., Monday, February 11th
RELEASE: Immediately Please

After battling winter snow conditions earlier this morning, mushers are
rerouted from Seeley Lake Checkpoint to White Tail Wilderness Checkpoint.
Four feet of new snow buried trail markers and rendered the trail impassable
earlier today. Race officials have shortened the race by approximately 58
miles. The next leg of the race, from White Tail Wilderness to Hi Country
Snack Foods finish will be 62 miles and depending on how long mushers stay
at the wilderness checkpoint, there could be a finisher as early as 4:00
a.m. Tuesday morning under the finish archway at Hi Country Snack Foods.

The two front-runners, Tom Thurston and Aaron Peck, should be arriving at
White Tail Wilderness Checkpoint late this afternoon. Tom Thurston left for
Owl Creek this morning at 9:23 and was rerouted back toward Ovando because
of weather issues.

Ten other mushers are on their way to White Tail Wilderness Checkpoint where
they will have a six hour mandatory layover. John Barron (with 12 dogs) was
first to leave Seeley Lake at 12:10 p.m. today followed by Lachlan Clarke
(12 dogs) at 12:58, Chris Adkins (10 dogs) at 1:00, Scott White (11 dogs) at
1:25. Next was Celeste Davis with 11 dogs at 1:28, Roger Johnson with 11
dogs at 2:45, Rick Schwab with 11 dogs at 2:48, Mark Ibsen with 12 dogs at
2:55, Mike Carmichael with 8 dogs at 4:13 and Ron Wyatt with 12 dogs at 4:50
p.m.

Still at Seeley Lake are Steve Madsen , Lev Shvarts, Bino Fowler, Aaron
Asay, and Nancy Yoshida. These mushers will rest their dogs and head to
White Tail Wilderness Checkpoint this evening.

Two mushers have withdrawn, Pete Northcut on Sunday and Ed Jenkins today.
For musher timesheets, visit www.racetothesky.org and click on musher
updates. Also all press releases are also on the race website to read.

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE 11:30 A.M. MONDAY
Race to the Sky Trail Buried in New Snow Overnight

FROM: Pam Beckstrom, Race to the Sky PR/Secretary, 406-881-DOGS
DATE: 11:30 a.m., Monday, February 11th
RELEASE: Immediately Please

Tom Thurston and Aaron Peck are the frontrunners in Race to the Sky. A storm moved in early this morning between Seeley Lake and Owl Creek Wilderness Checkpoint leaving the trail impassible. Four feet of new snow steadily fell, burying trail markers, and leaving race officials concerned about avalanche dangers. The trail is being rerouted the other direction and they will not use Owl Creek Wilderness Checkpoint. Instead, the mushers will be routed back to White Tail Ranch for their wilderness checkpoint which will be about 68 trail miles. From the Wilderness Checkpoint, they will then go back to Seeley Lake for at least a 6 hour mandatory rest and will continue the 72 miles to the finish by tomorrow afternoon.

Teams into Seeley Lake, awaiting information on the trail, in order of arrival at Seeley Lake are: Lachlan Clarke (6:36), John Barron (6:41), Ed Jenkins (6:57), Chris Adkins (7:02), Scott White (7:04), Celeste Davis (7:50), Mark Ibsen (8:08), Rick Schwab (8:29), Roger Johnson (8:30), Mike Carmichael (9:31).

Expected to be arriving soon at Seeley Lake Community Center (in order of departure time) are Bino Fowler (left White Tail Ranch at 2:10 a.m.), Steve Madsen (2:59), Nancy Yoshida (3:03), Lev Shvarts (3:15), Ron Wyatt (3:28), and Aaron Asay (left White Tail Ranch at 4:07). The mileage from White Tail Ranch and Seeley Lake Checkpoint is 50 miles.

Only musher has withdrawn so far, Pete Northcutt, of Joliet, Montana.
Weather conditions are predicted to be cloudy and warm.

For information visit www.racetothesky.org for timesheets or read the press
releases being generated four times a day on the Race to the Sky website.

PRESS RELEASE

FROM: Pam Beckstrom, Race to the Sky PR/Secretary, 406-881-DOGS
DATE: 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 11th
RELEASE: Immediately

John Barron was the first to leave the Seeley Lake checkpoint during this
year’s Race to the Sky,
Montana’s 350 mile sled dog race at 6:41 a.m. Monday morning. He was
followed by Tom Thurston at 9:23 a.m. Owl Creek checkpoint is 52 m

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