As if to order, snow, predicted for the Cairngorms on Friday, will perfectly prepare the tracks around Loch Morlich, on which takes place this weekend, the Aviemore Sled Dog Rally 2009. Organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain and sponsored by the dog food manufacturer Arden Grange, this annual winter event attracts a thousand sled dog competitors and over 3000 spectators.

The rally was first run in 1984 and featured just a dozen dog teams. Over two days this weekend 250 teams of between two and eight sled dogs will be pulling sleds at up to 20 miles an hour over a challenging, four-mile track. Taking part will be Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Samoyeds.

The event is now one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in the world, bringing an annual income of around £400,000 to the tourist industry, shops and restaurants of Aviemore.

Mushers range in age from just 8 years old to over 60. With a good covering of snow (and that is what is predicted), the dogs pull their musher around the course on a sled. If there is no snow the musher rides a three-wheeled rig that looks a bit like a tricycle without a seat.

The organisers say that many of the dogs running at the weekend will also be competing at Crufts in March.

Submitted by: Steve O'Malley      

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