The 2024 Tug Hill Challenge scheduled for this weekend, January 27-28, is CANCELED. The race team met 1/22 to discuss the current conditions reported to us, grooming potential, and the forecast ahead. We determined that the incoming rain and warm up will cause the race trails to have unsafe conditions for dogs, equipment, and drivers. Registered racers: Please be on the lookout for an email in the coming days regarding refund options for your class entries.

We hope to race with you in the beautiful Winona Forest someday again soon. I think we can all agree that it has been TOO long! Think snow, and we will be back together when the conditions and weather allow.

Race Date: January 27 & 28, 2024

Time: Saturday Drivers' Meeting 7:15 a.m.
           Race starts at 8:00 a.m. both days

Location: Winona State Forest - Winona Forest CCC Camp
(Google Maps - Winona Forest CCC Camp)

Classes Offered:

8-10 Dog Sled - 10.4 miles - Pro/RB (Sp8/Sp8 RNB)
6 Dog Sled - 6.6 miles - Pro/RB/Sportsman (Sp6/Sp6 RNB)
4 Dog Sled - 4.3 miles - Pro/RB/Sportsman (Sp4/Sp4 RNB)
2 Dog Sled - 2.7 miles - Pro/RB/Sportsman (Sp2/Sp2 RNB)
2 Dog Skijor - 6.6 miles - Pro (SM2/SW2)
1 Dog Skijor - 6.6 miles - Pro (SM1/SW1)
1-2 Dog Fat Tire Bikejor - 2.7 miles
Junior 3 Dog Sled - 2.7 miles
Novice Skijor - 2.7 miles
Canicross/Snowshoe Canicross - 2.7 miles  
Peewee Class - approx. 0.2 miles (Register on race day)

*ISDRA Sanctioned: 10/8/6/4/2 Dog Sled, 1 & 2 Dog Skijor, Junior 3 Dog Sled
*ISDRA Evaluative Status: 1-2 Dog Fat Tire Bikejor
*IFSS Accredited: 8/6/4/2 Dog Sled & RNB Classes, 1 & 2 Dog Skijor
*Non-sanctioned Classes: Novice Skijor, Canicross
*Peewee Class will start at the top of the hill and run down to the finish line.

Race Officials:

Race Marshall: Chris Seminatore
Chief Timer: John Gates
Start Timer: Len Haring
Chute Judge: Roger McDonough
Trail Boss: Rich Stanaitis
Registered Breed Officials: Laurie Stone
Race Organizer & Registrar: Ronald Klepadlo

 

Registration Information:

  • PSDC membership is required for all participants. You will not race if you are not a current member.

  • Entry Fees: Pro $45 / Registered Nordic Breed $45 / Sportsman $35 / Junior $20 / Recreational Classes $25

  • In the event that the race is cancelled, class registration fees will be refunded via PayPal except the Bytepro fee. No changes to registration will occur after registration closes.

  • Registered Nordic Breed (RB/RNB) drivers must submit paperwork at this link by Monday, 1/22/24 at 11:59 p.m. EST for review by the RB officials. RB drivers who do not submit paperwork before the deadline will automatically race in the Pro/All Breed class. Paperwork should be readily available on race day for further review if requested.
    -Dogs who have raced and been registered with PSDC from 2016-2024 do not need to be resubmitted.
    -Registered Breeds must be AKC/CKC/UKC (or the National Registry from the country of origin) Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, or Samoyeds - No PAL/ILP Dogs in this grouping.

  • Entries close Monday, January 22nd at 11:59 p.m. EST. No late entires!

  • All entries will be via Event Byte. No phone, email, social media, or fax entries will be accepted.

Race Weekend Information:

  • Mandatory Virtual Drivers meeting will be posted to the PSDC event page the week of the race.

  • Drivers Meeting Update at the race site Saturday morning at 7:15 a.m.

  • First class leaves the starting chute at 8:00 a.m. both days.

  • Park in your same spot for Day 1 and Day 2. 

  • The race is run using ISDRA Speed Rules.

  • Bibs will be collected after day 1 and redistributed Sunday morning according to day 1's finish times.

PSDC Policies & Rules:

  • PSDC Membership is required to race.

  • All drivers in any sled class and the fat tire bikejor class shall wear an adequate properly fitting helmet.

  • All skijor participants under the age of 18 as of the first day of the race shall wear an adequate properly fitting helmet.

  • Helmets are NOT required for adult skijor and canicross.

  • Snub lines are required for all sled classes.

  • A ventilated dog bag is required for all sled classes adequate for the safety of the dog.

  • Sleds must have an adequate brake, brushbow, and snowhook.

  • Kicksleds are NOT permitted in any sled class.

  • All dogs must be on leash at all PSDC events.

  • Clean up after your dogs properly and place trash in the dumpster.

  • No sick dogs shall be brought to a race. All dogs shall be up to date on all relevant vaccines.

  • "No Presence - No Presents" Policy (see policy in purse breakdown)

Purse Breakdown: TBA

Class                     1st Place    2nd Place   3rd Place   Total
8-10 Dog Sled 
6 Dog Sled Pro        
6 Dog Sled RB           
4 Dog Sled Pro      
4 Dog Sled RB      
2 Dog Sled Pro       
2 Dog Sled RB       
2 Dog Skijor            
1 Dog Skijor         
Fat Tire Bikejor      

Total Purse: TBA    

"NO PRESENCE - NO PRESENTS" Policy:

All contestants who have won awards at PSDC events must be present at the designated awards ceremony to receive his/her awards. If the winner cannot be present, it is the award winner's responsibility to designate a person to pick up award(s) and to notify the race organizer that a substitution is being made. Our sponsors deserve this respect. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in the monies not being awarded. Monies will go back into the general fund and will be added to the club's contribution the following year.

Lodging:

Below are a few places racers have stayed at in the past. Please call ahead of time to check availability and pet options. As always, please follow all regulations regarding pets at your hotel or choice of lodging. No camping at the race site.

  • Harris Lodging - Long term race sponsor!
    315-387-5907; 141 Salisbury St., Sandy Creek, NY 13145

  • Double Eagle Lodge - Long term race sponsor!
    315-298-3328; 3268 NY-13, Pulaski, NY 13142

  • Super 8 by Wyndham Pulaski (*NOT PET FRIENDLY)
    315-298-4888; 3800 NY-17, Pulaski, NY 13142

  • Tailwater Lodge 
    315-298-3434; 52 Pulaski St., Altmar, NY 13302

  • Comfort Inn & Suites Watertown
    315-965-1747; 110 Commerce Park Dr, Watertown, NY 13601

Food On-site:

  • The Winona Forest Recreation Association (WFRA) volunteers will be providing lunch on-site in the warming hut building from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please select a $10 pre-paid voucher when checking out to pay for your food ahead of time! Your $10 voucher will include a sandwich or hearty soup, chips or cookie, and a drink. Proceeds from food benefit the WFRA. Their hard work year round is the reason we are able to race here!

Directions to Race Site

  • Google Maps: Winona Forest CCC Camp (*Still essential the follow the directions below.)

  • Take the Mannsville Exit #39 off I-81. Follow County Rt. 90 east through the village of Mannsville crossing Rt 11. Continue east, carefully following signs to stay on Rt. 90 for approx. 6 miles. CCC Camp Buildings and parking are on the left at the intersection of Bargy Rd.

Race Trail Maps: 

Event Contact:

Ronald Klepadlo (Race Organizer & Registrar)
570-814-5999
ronald.klepadlo@gmail.com