Torch River Sled Dog Race Inc.

Torch River Sled Dog Race Inc. The Torch River Run Sled Dog Race Association was organized in the summer of 2009 to promote a world class mid-distance sled dog race.

A group of both active and retired mushers got together to establish a ten dog continuous unassisted race of 200 miles or more that would be a qualifier for the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest for the more advanced mushers, with an 80 mile 6-dog race for the less experienced, recreational musher to be included. At our original meeting, a board of 7 directors were elected and the name of Torch River R

un Sled Dog Race was chosen. A motion to be incorporated was also made at that time. The name comes from a previous small race that was held in the Candle Lake area in which we crossed the Torch River several times. The original 200 mile 10-dog race went from Christopher Lake to Tobin Lake and the 6-dog went from Fishing Lake to Tobin Lake using the same route, the majority of which was on existing snowmobile trails. Although the first couple of races were successful it became very clear that in order to continue with our original goal, we needed a lot more help and money. With the declining interest in the 10-dog event and the increased interest in a 6-dog event, at our 2012 Annual meeting a motion was made for our 2013 race that we hold an 8-dog, 2-day, 40 miles per day event, all in the Christopher Lake area using existing groomed trails. This format was so successful that the event continues on. As with any organized event it takes an incredible amount of volunteers on a year round basis. The sponsors also play a major part and are greatly appreciated. Without them it would be very difficult to hold an event like this. However, most important of any sled dog race are the mushers. Without their support there would be no need for any of the rest.

Dan Kirkup,Saskatoon, SKA big welcome back to Dan who will be racing in the TRR for the 3rd time!! Dan has a small kenne...
11/12/2024

Dan Kirkup,
Saskatoon, SK

A big welcome back to Dan who will be racing in the TRR for the 3rd time!! Dan has a small kennel and is excited to be coming back for the TRR 2025. The Torch River Sled Dog Race was Dan's very first race and will always be a highlight of the mushing season for him. He is a great competitor and always looks like he is having the time of his life. Looking forward to seeing you out there again this year Dan!

Edie Marin,Yellowknife, NWTA very warm welcome to rookie competitor Edie Marin! This will be Edie's very first sled-dog ...
11/12/2024

Edie Marin,
Yellowknife, NWT

A very warm welcome to rookie competitor Edie Marin! This will be Edie's very first sled-dog race and she is counting down the days already! Last year, Edie trained on the Torch River Sled Dog Race trails which inspired her to enter the TRR 2025. As a rookie, her goal is to finish the race with a happy and healthy team (and to beat Marcel!!). We all look forward to seeing you out there Edie and nobody will be upset if you do beat Marcel lol!

Randy Sander,Unity, SKA huge welcome back to Randy Sander! It has been several years since Randy has raced but he has be...
11/12/2024

Randy Sander,
Unity, SK

A huge welcome back to Randy Sander! It has been several years since Randy has raced but he has been running sled-dogs for 21 years. His very first dog-sledding experience was with Brad Muir, who took Randy for a ride and consequently, Randy became completely hooked on the sport. He brought his first team of dogs from Jim Tomkins home that same weekend. Randy’s hectic work schedule leaves little time for leisure activities, but he makes a point of running the dogs at least 4 days a week. It is a much needed break from his busy lifestyle and he enjoys the peace and quiet when he is out with the dogs as well as the relaxation and stress-relief he experiences when he is on his sleigh. We are so happy that you will be racing again at the TRR 2025!!

Amanda Grant,Unity, SKAmanda has been running sled-dogs for 14 years and has entered and finished 16 races – the Torch R...
11/12/2024

Amanda Grant,
Unity, SK

Amanda has been running sled-dogs for 14 years and has entered and finished 16 races – the Torch River Run from 2012 to 2023, the Canadian Challenge 6-Dog Open Race in 2019 & 2020, the Crutwell 6-dog Sprint Race in 2023 and The Tom Oullette Memorial 6-dog sprint race also in 2023. She values the opportunity to spend time with the dogs and thoroughly enjoys being outdoors in the winter-time. When she is not running dogs, she enjoys gardening, fishing and singing to her chickens,

Marcel Marin,Yellowknife, NWTMarcel was the 1st place winner of the TRR 2024 and we are so glad you are coming back to r...
11/12/2024

Marcel Marin,
Yellowknife, NWT

Marcel was the 1st place winner of the TRR 2024 and we are so glad you are coming back to race in 2025!! After a lifetime of running dogs and competing in many different races, we are honored that you have chosen the Torch River Sled Dog Race once again. In Marcel's own words "The Torch is one of my favorite races. The people, the trail and the wilderness of this well-organized race - it's a pleasure to attend every year." We look forward to seeing you out on the trail again Marcel!

09/10/2024

TRR 2025 TEAMS ENTERED - UPDATED ON SEPT 10, 2024:
Marcel Marin
Amanda Grant
Randy Sander
Edie Marin
Dan Kirkup

Musher bio's and photos will be posted soon!

09/09/2024

TRR 2025 TEAMS ENTERED - UPDATED ON SEPT 9, 2024:
Marcel Marin
Amanda Grant
Randy Sander
Edie Desgagnes

09/06/2024

TRR 2025 TEAMS ENTERED - UPDATED ON SEPT 6, 2024:
Marcel Marin
Amanda Grant
Randy Sander

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09/06/2024
06/13/2024

Potluck supper after the AGM! Burgers & hot dogs supplied. Those attending in person are asked to bring a side-dish or dessert.

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06/13/2024

TRR 2024 AGM will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, 3:00 PM at Stefaan and Tanja's house

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03/17/2024

I am feeling bad for taking so long to get photos, etc posted. Personal Tax Season really needs to be changed to July or August - as soon as Randy and I get back from the TRR we pretty much live at the office until April 30th! I have thought about the TRR 2024 every day since race weekend and several memories stand out in my mind. Being there as a volunteer this year versus being there as a competitor was even more fun and more of a rewarding experience than I had ever expected. I got to watch an SUV being pulled out of the ditch at Beaton Hall corner, Randy Sander feeding beer sticks to the Whiskey Jacks along the Chris Can Trail and the smiling faces of each musher and their team of dogs rushing by while I fumbled to try to get a photo or two. The Beaton Hall was warmed with laughter, stories being shared and the aroma of steaming hot chili. It all makes me smile just thinking of it. However, the absolute highlight for me was watching Lorna Ruston cross the finish line on day 2. She encountered many struggles along the trail of her very first sled dog race, yet still, she persevered and was determined to complete the race. It is people like Lorna Ruston, Liz Baron and Meagan Anishinabie that justify all of the hard work that goes into putting on a dog sled race. They were all not only rookies at the TRR 2024 but rookies to sled dog racing and I feel so grateful that they chose the TRR as their first competitive race. Their smiles along the trail said it all! All teams looked incredible out there and I could literally feel the joy they experienced. We had a stellar group of volunteers once again and I cannot recall in the last 13 years a time when the race start went so smoothly! All in all, it was a wonderful group of people this year - both mushers and volunteers. I also want to once again thank Laurie Taylor-Markel for the unbelievable generosity she showed by donating Gerry's sled dog equipment to be sold to contribute to the race purse. We had the most successful Silent Auction that I can ever remember and it was a whole lot of fun for all of us (a few bidding wars going on which always makes things interesting). And thanks also to Laurie Taylor-Markel for the beautiful photos you took of each team. Thank you to Stefaan De Marie for dragging and marking the trail - it was absolutely perfect! Thank you to Randy Sander CPA Professional Corporation, Naber Ford, Akela's Den Sled Dog Supplies & Racing Kennel, Horizon Pet Nutrition, Kim Larson Financial Services Inc, Jack's Pizza Ltd and Jaron Bearing & Hydraulic Ltd for your consistent sponsorship over the years. Thank you to Stewart Elliott for the amazing hand-made bowls that you so kindly donated as prizes for the Red Lantern Winner (Lorna Ruston) and Rookie of the Year (Jesika Reimer). I am certain that these items will be treasured for many years. Thank you to Dan Kirkup for donating the gorgeous cutting board that you skillfully made to our silent auction - items like this are priceless. Thank you to Laurie Taylor-Markel, Stefaan De Marie and Tanja Tabel for graciously offering your homes to mushers and handlers who needed a place to stay for the weekend. Thank you to all of the board members and volunteers for making some of the best chili I have had in ages!! Thank you to all of the handlers who not only helped with the teams you came with but also lending a hand wherever needed. And lastly, thank you to the Beaton Hall for allowing us to use the facilities for the weekend - we couldn't ask for a more perfect venue! I sure hope to be back competing in the TRR 2025 and would be so thrilled to see some familiar faces there!

Amanda Grant

TRR 2024 Awards Photos!!
03/17/2024

TRR 2024 Awards Photos!!

We could have used a better photographer on the trail this year (Amanda Grant should stick to bookkeeping and running do...
03/17/2024

We could have used a better photographer on the trail this year (Amanda Grant should stick to bookkeeping and running dogs lol) but nevertheless, these are the best pics of each team. Marcel Marin you need to slow down next time ha ha - you were way too fast to get a picture of at the warm up shelter corner!

TRR Bib Photos
03/17/2024

TRR Bib Photos

Final race times!
03/03/2024

Final race times!

Address

PO Box 1539
Unity, SK
S0K4L0

Telephone

(306) 940-9697

Website

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Videos

Marcel Marin shared this from earlier today. North Loop of race trail.

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