Photo: Klondike Dog Derby
The annual sled dog race is off, but some events are still slated for February.
As of a January 3 press release, the team behind the Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby announced that the annual dog sled race has been canceled for 2024.
“Given current conditions and long-term weather forecasts, we determined it is in the best interest of mushers who planned to race this year, our sponsors and our volunteers to cancel at this time,” says Bethany Hway, Klondike Dog Derby founder, vice president and race director.
Although there might be enough ice and snow for the sled dogs and mushers to race by February, Hway says that safety is the organization’s number one priority. The event organizers do not want to put spectators at risk, and at this time, there’s no guarantee that the lake will be safe enough, especially for visitors arriving by vehicle.
“While we cannot safely produce the sled dog race, there will still be fun Klondike Dog Derby-related events on February 3, including our annual Cutest Puppy contest, a silent auction and live music at Excelsior Brewing,” says Bill Damberg, Klondike Dog Derby co-founder and president.
The Cutest Puppy contest, traditionally held a week before the race, is now scheduled from 1–5 p.m. on February 3 at Excelsior Brewing, with entries due by 2:30 p.m. Pups 6 months old and under are eligible for entry. The $25 entry fee includes a raffle entry for a Klondike merch basket and goes toward supporting the 2025 Klondike Dog Derby race.
The Klondike Dog Derby will also follow through on its annual presentations at area elementary schools, spreading education about the history of the sport, the athleticism of the dogs and the passion experienced by everyone involved in sled dog racing.
Visit klondikedogderby.com to learn more.
Klondike Dog Derby
Facebook: Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby
Instagram: @klondikedogderby
