Many times people have asked, when did it all begin?

The first Sled Dog race in the UK was held on the 1st October 1978. It was held at Hankley Common, Guildford Surrey.  This was the first Rally organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain.

The main race was 3 miles long for 3-4 dogs teams.  The dogs were all Siberians ranging from nine months to nine years.  Each team set off at five minute intervals.

After lunch a few fun races were held over a distance of 100-200 yards

They were:-

Harness and Hitch up - the Rig, and three dogs were staked out.  Three harness' were laid out in front of each dog.  The musher was timed, to harness up each dog, to hitch up and complete a 100 yard sprint course.

Water Bucket - Buckets of water were placed on the Rig.  Mushers were timed over the 100 yard sprint course and the water was measured at the end.

Fancy Dress .  The musher with one passenger raced down the first 100 yard course to a pile of clothes. The passenger had to put on all the clothes get back on to the rig and sprint the next 200 yards to the finish.

In the fun races each team finished before the next team could start.

The day was a complete success, all competitors completed their course.

Sally Leich of the Forstals kennels won the main event in a time of 20 minutes and 57 secs. Although to be fair the rigs did weigh about 3 tons!! Sally also won the Harness and Hitch up and the Water Bucket race in the fun classes.

All Competitors, Dogs and Spectators had a great day out.  The event proved that not only was it a great way to work your dogs and get yourself fit but also extremely social. The Sport was born in the UK.

By 1982/1983 season there were three classes

B  4-6 Dogs

C  3-4 Dogs

D   2 Dogs  (over two miles)

Now some 26 years later the sport is still increasing. The season starts at the end of October and runs to the end of March.  Many other Sled Dog organisations have been formed since that first event took place.  Events are now held Nationwide.  Sled Dog Events are still extremely Social events.

SHCofGB still continue to organise many successful events which includes the annual Pilgrimage to Aviemore in Scotland.

The Alaskan Malamute Working Association was founded in 1992 by a group of Malamute owners keen to work their dogs. 

Affiliated British Sled Dog Activities was also formed in 1992 by a few established event organisers living in the South of England

British Siberian Husky Racing Association formed at the end of the 1995/1996 season.

For a complete list of this seasons events Check out the Snopeak Website or visit each Club's site. The link to these are on Our links page.