Wilderness Sled Dog Race Canceled

The 100 Mile Wilderness Sled Dog Race has been canceled for this year, out of concern for the dogs and mushers.

The annual trek through the Moosehead Lake region was scheduled to take place on Saturday. Competitors and their dog teams wait all year to compete in the 70-mile race, for a chance at a $10,000 purse. There's also a 30-mile race with a $3,000 purse.

But organizers decided this year that Maine's weird weather has made the race too risky. John and Abby Duggan posted on the event's website that it took a lot of deliberation, but they've decided to cancel the race due to safety concerns. They say trail conditions for dog teams is much more difficult, and would make it too challenging for the dogs to slow or stop.

"We are heartbroken and disappointed," Amy says in the release, "but feel that we must stand strong in our resolve to not send mushers and their dogs out on unsafe conditions."

Find more information on the website for the 100 Mile Wilderness Sled Dog Race.