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2010 Musher Tribute
Musher Tribute - Each year the White Oak Classic Pays Tribute to a musher or person that has contributed greatly to the mushing community. This year's tribute goes to Jamie Nelson. Jamie Nelson is from Togo, Minnesota. For many years Jamie has been and continues to be one of the top long and mid-distance mushers. She is the only 4- time winner of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Race. She has finished first at the George Esslinger, Mid-Minnesota 150 and the UP200 Sled Dog Races. Jamie has also competed in numerous races in Alaska. She has finished the Yukon Quest and completed the Iditarod three times. One of these times she got all 16 of her dogs to finish line in Nome. Jamie is being honored this year for giving back to the sport she loves. No one has taken more beginning mushers under their wing and taught them how to train their own dog team. Although Jamie trains and races Alaskan Huskies, she has helped Siberian, Malamute and Eskimo breed teams. News Release for December 18, 2009
Contact: Dan or Jean Bergerson 218 326-9775 Paul Bunyan Telephone Title Sponsor of 2010 White Oak Classic On January 10 the Deer River area will be the hub of activity as over 600 dogs anxiously wait their turn in the starting chute for the White Oak Sled Dog Race. The race will start from the White Oak Fur Post on January 9 at 9:30 am. Four race categories will be leaving the fur post until about 1:00 Saturday afternoon. This year’s race title sponsor is Paul Bunyal Telephone. “We are thrilled to have Paul Bunyan come on board as our lead sponsor for this year’s race, said Dan Bergerson, Race Marshall. Sponsors such as Paul Bunyan and all the other area businesses and individuals allow us to have a purse and prizes that brings in the quality and number of teams each year. “ Again this year nearly 90 teams are expected to participate in the four races. “All the communities have offered us great support and the small town spirit is evident at all the stops on the race course, added Bergerson.” Each checkpoint has volunteers from the area that help coordinate services for the teams and food for those that watch the race as well as those that participate. The Northern Lakes Amateur Radio Club provides radio coverage and updates for the entire course. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteers coordinate all the road crossings. In addition, we get good cooperation from the local authorities and all the snowmobile clubs. Together this cooperation makes the race a success. Those wanting to observe the race can come to the White Oak Fur Post or pick up racers at the following locations: Gosh Dam Place, Squaw Lake, Northome, Effie, Bigfork and Marcell. The 10 dog pro racers are expected to arrive in Marcell early Sunday morning. For a full schedule of events, sponsors, and when to observe the teams at each location check the race website at www.whiteoaksledograce.com. **Editor’s note- There will be an opportunity for media to interview race officials and mushers Friday evening from 5-7 PM at the White Oak Fur Post or from 8-9 prior to the race on Saturday. Please check in with Dan or Jean Bergerson when you arrive they will be at the fur post on Friday starting at noon until the final musher departs on Saturday. The vet check area where the mushers will be on Friday will be lit so photos opportunities are available then and during race day. The fur post adds a special flavor and tradition not found on any other sled dog race. Thank you. Events for the Classic
Sponsored in part by
White Oak Fur Post, Deer River January 8&9 Race Start Saturday 9:30
View Race Progress At: Gosh Dam Place – Hwy 6 – Finish for the Recreational Race 11:30-2:30 Squaw Lake – Finish for the Trophy Class Race 2pm-5pm Northome- Finish for the 8–Dog Pro Class 4:00pm-midnight Effie –11pm – 9am Sunday Bigfork –7am-10am Marcell Community Center- Finish for the 10 Dog Pro Class 7am-noon Sunday Complete Schedule of Events on the web at www.whiteoakclassicsleddograce.com
About The White Oak Classic The White Oak Classic is a sled dog race held in Deer River Minnesota. This sled dog race covers 130 miles of remote wilderness trails in Northern Minnesota. Deer River Minnesota has a rich history of trapping, dog sledding, and pioneer spirit, it is this spirit of adventure that breaths life into the White Oak Classic Sled Dog Race. Come experience the history, excitement, and wonder of the White Oak |
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