Several feet of fresh snow, epic scenery and a $10,000 purse await champion mushers from across the U.S. and Canada at the fourth annual Mancos Mush Dog Sled Races, scheduled for Feb. 8-10.

Mushers will compete in a 60-mile race on a course located in the San Juan National Forest at the base of the La Plata Mountains. Transfer Campground, approximately 8 miles north of Mancos, off West Mancos Road, will serve as the race’s start/finish area. Teams will leave between 8:30-10 a.m. on Feb. 9.

In conjunction with the race, a fund-raiser for the new

Mancos Public Library will be held the evening of Feb. 8 at the Mancos Community Center. The event will feature a live and silent auction with works from more than 30 artists.

On Sat., Feb. 9, a “Meet the Mushers” banquet will be held starting at 6 p.m., also at the Mancos Community Center. Other special events during the race include a “Wolves at Heart” Art Show featuring the bronze sculptures of Mancos artists Veryl Goodnight and Patsy Davis, as well as a youth art competition “Junior Wolves at Heart.” Both art shows

will be on display Feb. 9 and 10, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Mancos Community Center and the Grand Avenue Studio, next to the community center.

An awards banquet will wrap up the race at 2: 30 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Millwood Junction Restaurant. Spectators are asked to leave their own dogs at home, as these sled dogs are “canine athletes at work.” 

For more information on the Mancos Mush Sled Dog Race, please visit the race website at www.mancosmush.com.

-Michelle Duregger