Pedigree Stage Stop Race
Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race
Overview
The Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race is an annual sled dog competition beginning in late January in western Wyoming in the United States. Founded in 1995 by Frank Teasley and Jayne Ottman, the races’ original purpose was to promote childhood immunization rates in Wyoming and make the sport of sled dog racing more accessible to the public by fostering a connection between competitors, their dogs, and local communities. Each day of the event is called a ‘stage” and is hosted by a local community.
History
Initially conceived as a way to introduce sled dog racing to a broader audience, the race has grown to become one of the most prestigious events in the sport. Unlike traditional long-distance races such as the Iditarod, the Pedigree Stage Stop features a stage-racing format, where teams compete on a different course each day, with breaks for rest and travel between stages. This approach allows for a family-friendly atmosphere and greater interaction with the host communities.
Format and Rules
The race currently spans 8 days, with a ceremonial start in downtown Jackson, Wyoming. Each subsequent stage takes place in a different town or city. Participating teams, composed of a musher and their sled dogs, cover distances ranging from 28 to 35 miles per stage. The combined time for all stages determines the overall winner.
Key rules include:
- Mushers enter a pool of up to 16 dogs
- The maximum daily team size is 12 dogs.
- Dogs must meet rigorous health and vaccination standards.
- Teams are required to follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety and welfare of the dogs.
Route
The race begins in Jackson, Wyoming, and traverses several towns, including:
Each location showcases its unique terrain, offering a mix of mountain trails, open plains, and forested paths. Spectators are encouraged to attend events at the starting and finishing lines, making the race a popular local attraction.
All stages are out-and-back routes where the mushers and their teams leave the starting area and navigate the designated racecourse to a loop or turn-around and head back to the starting area to complete the run.
The daily race routes are part of the United States Forest Services winter trail system and are maintained by the State of Wyoming through the Wyoming State Trails program which manages the grooming of the trails surfaces using large, tracked grooming machines. All trails are public access.
Impact and Community Engagement
The Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race has a significant impact on the communities it visits. Local businesses benefit from the influx of visitors, while educational programs introduce children to sled dog racing and animal care. Additionally, the race supports animal welfare initiatives through partnerships with local shelters and adoption programs.
Sustainability Initiative
In 2025 the race organization renewed its pledge as a responsible stewards of public lands and community support by issuing the following proclamation:
"At the Pedigree Stage Stop Race, we are deeply committed to protecting the future of Wyoming’s public lands and the communities that depend on them. Promoting healthy, outdoor lifestyles is a core part of our mission, and this commitment is reflected in the actions of both our human and canine participants.
To ensure that we—and future generations—can continue enjoying these incredible outdoor spaces, we have pledged to minimize our environmental impact and act as responsible stewards of public lands.
We encourage you to join us in taking a similar pledge of stewardship and personal responsibility. Below are some educational resources that have guided us in our sustainability efforts, and we hope you find them equally helpful."
Visiting Jackson Hole – Know Before You Go
How to Recycle in Teton County, Wyoming
Leave No Trace – Seven Principles
Champions
As of 2024 there have been twelve individual champions with several mushers winning the event more than once. Of the 29 victories to date, all teams came from 10 individual kennels. The Streeper kennel out of British Columbia has the most titles with nine victories.
| 1996 | Rick Swenson |
| 1997 | Hans Gatt |
| 1998 | Hans Gatt |
| 1999 | Jeff King |
| 2000 | Hans Gatt |
| 2001 | Hans Gatt |
| 2002 | Melanie Shirilla |
| 2003 | Gwen Holdmann |
| 2004 | Blayne “Buddy” Streeper |
| 2005 | Hernan Maquieira |
| 2006 | Melanie Shirilla |
| 2007 | Wendy Davis |
| 2008 | Melanie Shirilla |
| 2009 | Melanie Shirilla |
| 2010 | Blayne “Buddy” Streeper |
| 2011 | Blayne “Buddy” Streeper |
| 2012 | Blayne “Buddy” Streeper |
| 2013 | Aaron Peck |
| 2014 | Blayne “Buddy” Streeper |
| 2015 | Blayne “Buddy” Streeper |
| 2016 | Blayne "Buddy" Streeper |
| 2017 | Lina Streeper |
| 2018 | Lina Streeper |
| 2019 | Anny Malo |
| 2020 | Anny Malo |
| 2021 | Anny Malo |
| 2022 | Anny Malo |
| 2023 | Anny Malo |
| 2024 | Remy Coste |
Legacy
The Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race continues to grow in popularity, drawing attention to the sport of sled dog racing and the strong bond between mushers and their dogs. Its focus on community engagement, animal welfare, and family-friendly entertainment ensures its lasting impact on the sport and the regions it touches.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]External links
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