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ANNUAL SLED DOG RACES WILL GO ON THIS WEEKEND AT PUNDERSON STATE PARK COLUMBUS, OH -- Dog sled races will again be held at Punderson State Park in
Geauga County this weekend, January 24 and 25, thanks to snowy days and
prolonged cold temperatures, according to the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources (ODNR). Park officials expect more than 500 participants and
observers to attend the Geauga County Tourism Council Sled Dog Classic.
"The snowy conditions are ideal for sled dog racing," said Punderson State
Park Manager Nick Fischbach. "We encourage the public to come out and enjoy
the races, as well as our beautiful state park."
Fischbach noted that more than 14 inches of snow had recently fallen on the
6-mile course. Poor weather in previous years has frequently forced
organizers to cancel or postpone the races.
Registration for mushers begins at 9 a.m. with races running from 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. both days. About 50 teams were registered for the event as of
Thursday morning.
The races, one of northeast Ohio's premier wintertime sporting
events, are sponsored by the Geauga County Tourism Council and managed by
the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Cleveland. Details can be found on the
club's web site at siberiancleveland.org
Public parking for the races is available at the beach parking lot.
Best race viewing opportunities will be at the park's golf course. People
attending the races are asked to leave all domestic pets at home.
The park's other wintertime activities also will be open, including
the sled hill and cross-country and snow mobile trails.
Overnight accommodations at Punderson Manor Lodge and cottages are available
by calling 1-800-AT-A-PARK or 440-564-9144.
Source: ODNR
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