Welcome to the Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race 2026
The race is run… Thank you so much to all the participants and their teams, the volunteers and all of our online followers for another superb challenge. Images and videos will be added over the coming days to the gallery below and our socials. Until next year!
UPDATES
RACE TIMING
MUSHERS
RYAN CLEGG
Mushers Bio
Location
Coalville Utah, United States
Occupation
Musher/Tour Guide
Kennel name
Bear Ridge Adventures
Interests/Hobbies
I’m Ryan, and if you’ve talked to me for more than 30 seconds then you’d know that I have no personality outside of dog mushing. I was born in Utah then moved around all over the west. I’m passionate about the outdoors, my family, and, of course, my awesome dog team.
Number of years mushing
5
Experience/Races
Triple Crown & Canadian Challenge
WADE DONALDSON
Mushers Bio
Location
Coalville Utah, United States
Occupation
Owner/Operator Bear Ridge Adventures a Utah Dogsledding Company
Kennel name
Bear Ridge Adventures
Interests/Hobbies
I grew up in Utah and love all things outdoors. My favorite things are sled dogs and horses. Being on the trail with a dog team or string of pack animals is when Im happiest. I started mushing 10 years ago and am thankful to have gotten into dogs with my siblings who all run dogs as well. Our family operates Bear Ridge Adventures, a sled dog tour outfit near Park City UT.
Number of years mushing
10
Experience/Races
200/300 mile races- Canadian challenge, race to the sky, eagle cap extreme, and bear grease.
100 mile races- Idaho sled dog challenge, race to the sky, eagle cap extreme.
DALLIN DONALDSON
Mushers Bio
Location
Coalville Utah, United States
Occupation
Owner/Operator Bear Ridge Adventures a Utah Dogsledding Company
Kennel name
Bear Ridge Adventures
Interests/Hobbies
I am a father of four young kids: Tate, Indie, Kace, and Peyton . My amazing wife Kayla is my biggest support and fan. I love the outdoors and nature. Growing up I was competitive in wrestling football and track. Love for dogs and nature have fueled my passion for mushing. My favorite thing about racing dogs is exploring new trails and the joy felt from overcoming struggles and difficulties as a team.
Number of years mushing
9
Experience/Races
100 mile races- Canadian Challenge, Bear grease, race to the sky, eagle cap extreme, and Idaho sled dog challenge. I will also be running/hosting the first annual Utah Uinta Ultimate sled dog race.
GARRICK SCHMIDT
Mushers Bio
Location
Wawota, Saskatchewan
Occupation
Land-Based Educator, Program Manager, Musher
Kennel name
Eagle Ridge Sled Dog Kennel
Interests/Hobbies
Family time, Harvesting for our family and community, Trapping, Camping (all seasons, but winter is my most favourite with the dogs!)
Number of years mushing
7+
Experience/Races
Canadian Challenge 2022 (8 dog 100 mile), 2023 (10 dog 200 mile (most improved vet award), 2024 (10 dog 200 mile), 2025 (10 dog 200 mile qualifier, Tom Charles winner, Spirit of the North, Race winner, Vet award, ALSO MOST STITCHES RECEIVED)
UNDER DOG 100 2024 (best dog care award).
Registered for 2026 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon 300 miler before the challenge.
MARY ENGLAND
Mushers Bio
Location
Sioux Lookout, ON. Canada
Occupation
Health care
Kennel name
On The Land Sled Dogs
Interests/Hobbies
I mostly enjoy pretty ordinary, quiet activities when not doing things with the dogs - runs, bike rides, bush walks, trying my best to learn the odd new skill (my dog houses are remain standing albeit crookedly, the stone wall I'm building is a slow work in progress). As a family we try to get out on the land as much as possible. As the kids get older, their interests invariably shape ours and I'm enjoying their sports and travels we can do as a family.
Number of years mushing
7
Experience/Races
Canadian Challenge 300, 200 | Caledonian Sled Dog Challenge 200 | Beargrease 300, 120
JESSE TERRY
Mushers Bio
Location
Sioux Lookout, ON. Canada
Occupation
Sled builder and musher
Kennel name
On The Land Sled Dogs
Interests/Hobbies
Family time, mushing, biking, canoeing and back scratches from my wife.
Number of years mushing
30+
Experience/Races
Canadian Challenge 300, Caledonia 200, Can-Am 250, Beargrease Marathon, Yukon Quest 400
DAN KIRKUP
Mushers Bio
Location
Saskatoon, Sask
Occupation
Glass Fabricator
Kennel name
Battle River Kennel
Interests/Hobbies
Dog sledding is where I face the cold head-on alongside my team. After earning 2nd place in last year’s Canadian Challenge, I’m back chasing tougher trails, harsher winds, and the kind of challenges that build resilience in both dogs and musher. Beyond the race, I roam deep into the wilderness, sometimes hunting, always exploring—whether it’s following fresh tracks through untouched snow, crossing silent frozen lakes under the northern lights, or chasing the thrill of adventures that few ever witness.
Number of years mushing
4
Experience/Races
Canadian Challenge 2025 & 2024, Caledonia Classic 2025, Underdog 2024 and Torch River Run 2023 & 2024 & 2025
STEFAAN DE MARIE
Mushers Bio
Location
Christopher Lake, SK
Occupation
Assistant Superintendent of Elk Ridge Resort
Kennel name
Akela’s Den
Interests/Hobbies
Lakeland Volunteer Fire Department, Putz around on the acreage, President of the Torch River Run
Number of years mushing
25+
Experience/Races
Percy De Wolfe x1
Canadian Challenge many times (25th anniversary from my first time racing the challenge)
Torch River Run x Many times
Rail Trail 200 x1
Neck Bone x Several times
Hudson Bay Quest x3
Caledonia Classic xSeveral times
KEVIN MATHIS
Mushers Bio
Location
Monona, Iowa. USA
Occupation
Pharmacist
Kennel name
Go The Distance
Interests/Hobbies
Hunting
Number of years mushing
10
Experience/Races
Race to the sky, Beargease, Can-am, UP200
MONROE MONDOR
Mushers Bio
Location
Wawota, Canada
Occupation
Student
Kennel name
Eagle Ridge Sled Dog Kennel
Interests/Hobbies
I'm into hunting and playing football I just finished my grade 12 year the team i play for won the PGFL ( prairie girls football league) championship . i'm working at the vet clinic in our town . as well as sewing with leather and fur.
Number of years mushing
Five years total. Going into four race season
Experience/Races
Canadian challenge: 6-dog 50 mile, 8-dog 100 mile, 10 -dog 200 mile. Underdog 100, Torch river run, and I'm registered for Bear Grease 120 for 2026
SHELLIE TOROK
Mushers Bio
Location
Prince George, BC
Occupation
On paper, I'm a registered nurse, but in reality, I am a professional juggler of a life filled with love. I'm a mom, wife, farmer, friend and a musher-all different ways I get to live a big, full life and do it with a lot of heart
Kennel name
Silver Lining Sled Dogs
Interests/Hobbies
When I'm not working you will find me adventuring with my favorite people, out hunting for cool rocks, trying to catch a big fish, or crafting something fun. I love my people, kiddos, doggos, cool weather, and many hours on a small trail system connecting with my team.
Number of years mushing
I started in 2011 or 2012, mainly recreational and sprint. This will be my third year running mid distance
Experience/Races
I've participated in the Caledonia Classic, Canadian Challenge, Underdog, Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run, and various sprint races in BC and Alberta.
DEREK KONGA
Mushers Bio
Location
La Ronge
Occupation
Educator
Kennel name
Eagle Ridge Sled Dog Kennel
Interests/Hobbies
Anything with my wife and kids on the land.
Number of years mushing
2
Experience/Races
Canadian Challenge 2025
ROGER DALKE
Mushers Bio
Location
Meeting Creek, AB. Canada
Occupation
Retired
Kennel name
Tad Bezrk
Interests/Hobbies
Ultra marathons, Dog harness sports, Automotive fabrication, Gardening.
Number of years mushing
5
Experience/Races
Mushing for 5 years as a recreational musher. No race experience yet!
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