The inaugural Su Dog 300 is right around the corner, and organizers are busy marking the trail, preparing for the start line party and recruiting volunteers.

The new race begins on January 25 at 2 p.m. at the Willow Community Center with a start line party. The race is a 300-mile Iditarod qualifier that organizers say helps fill the void of mid-distance races in the Willow area, a community with strong historical roots in the dog mushing world. Twenty-five teams will leave the starting chute and travel across the upper Susitna Valley

The race is taking a unique approach in that it isn't offering cash purses for top finishers, but rather rewarding all finishers. "The Su Dog 300 is an Iditarod qualifying race with an emphasis on community, mentorship, and fun. In lieu of a large cash prize for top placing teams, the Su Dog crew has amassed a number of amazing prizes for every finisher. This change in traditional race payouts is an attempt to create a less intense environment that will encourage camaraderie and mentorship between mushers, as well as encourage everyone to simply enjoy time with their dogs on the trail. As mushers traverse the course, fans can follow along 24/7 via live sled tracking devices on our website, sudog300.org," organizers stated.

Volunteers are still needed to help, organizers said. If you are interested in volunteering, e-mail sudog300@gmail.com for more information.

The race is also about celebrating the historical and cultural significance of sled dogs, which at one time were the only means of travel in the winter for Alaskans in remote communities and villages. 

"One of the goals of the Su Dog is to bring people together to celebrate the sled dog, whether you’re standing on the sled or guiding dog teams to their parking spot at the checkpoint. The more we can get our community involved in our local races, the more we can keep that history alive," organizers said.

The champion is expected to cross the finish line at the Willow Community Center sometime Monday afternoon. A soup contest - aptly called the Soup Dog - is taking place that afternoon at the center to celebrate the community and the inaugural champion.

For more information, visit https://sudog300.org.