Flathead Classic sled dog races this weekend in Olney

Dog power will be featured this weekend when the annual Flathead Classic sled dog race takes place at Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Center near Onley. 

The unique event that includes sled races, skijor races and bikejor races runs Feb. 24 and Feb. 25. The event begins at 9 a.m. on both days.

Competitions include a six-dog class, four-dog class, one- and two-dog skijoring and one- and two-dog bikejoring, and pee wee races. 

Six-dog sled teams will race about 18 miles, while the four-dog teams will race 5 and a half miles. Skijoring teams will race between 2 and a half and 5 and a half miles.

Skijoring consists of a skier on skate skis and a hip belt being pulled by a sled dog. Bikejoring is riding a bike being pulled by a sled dog.

The weekend starts on Saturday at 9 a.m. with the two-dog skijoring, followed by the six-dog teams leaving the starting chute at 9:30 a.m. and four-dog teams leaving at 10 a.m. The one-dog skijor begins at 11:30 a.m. followed by the bikejoring races beginning at noon. 

All the races continue on Sunday starting at 9 a.m. The awards ceremony is set for 1 p.m. or when all events are completed. 

Food and drinks will be available to purchase, along with a silent auction and race merchandise. 

The public is invited to come to the race. There is limited parking at Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Center so attendees are asked to carpool and to leave their dogs at home.

For more information, go to www.flatheadclassic.org.