There’s no shortage of activity in Ely this winter, and the WolfTrack Classic is coming up soon in the loaded lineup.
The 18th annual sled dog race is slated for Sunday, Feb. 22, with both the start and finish lines at a new venue this year - the Ely Regional Trailhead Complex on the community’s western edge.
Both an eight-dog, 48mile race and a six-dog, 25-mile event are part of the lineup, and the contests cap off a full weekend of related activities in town.
The festivities begin Friday, Feb. 20 at Grand Ely Lodge, host to the second annual WolfTrack Prance.
A social for mushers, volunteers and fans, the event features music, food and door prizes and runs from 4 to 7 p.m.
It includes the polka music of Ely accordion king Bernie Palcher, who will entertain from 5 to 7 p.m., with food available from 4 to 6 p.m.
The Saturday prior to the race is an event all to itself, as dog teams assemble in the parking lot on the Vermilion campus of Minnesota North College.
From 3 to 5 p.m., a “Meet the Teams” event will be held and fans can meet the “fourpawed marathoners” at the vet check area.
Following the meet-andgreet, a mushers dinner will be held as VCC’s Wilderness Club puts on a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Tickets are $13 for adults and $7 for youth.
The Friday and Saturday festivities lead up to race day on Sunday, Feb. 22, and rather than the softball complex on the east end, the race start and finish will now move to the brand-new trailhead area.
Spectator viewing begins at 8 a.m., and the race starts at 9 a.m., with the high-energy departure of race teams as they head out on to the Taconite Trail.
Organizers say the race serves “as a cornerstone of Ely’s winter silent sport activities, celebrating the region’s deep mushing heritage and the incredible bond between humans and sled dogs.”
Sponsored by the Ely Chamber of Commerce, the WolfTrack Classic needs a virtual army of volunteers, more than 100 according to Chamber officials, and a call is now out for dedicated individuals to serve an assortment of roles, including:
• Road and Safety Crossings: The most critical role— stopping traffic to ensure safe passage for dog teams at highway crossings;
• Start-Finish Setup/Takedown: Assisting with snow fencing, banners, and signage on Saturday and Sunday;
• Dog Handlers: Strong individuals (18+) to help manage teams at the start line;
• Parking and Logistics: Directing spectators and mushers on race morning.
The Ely Chamber is still pursuing sponsors for the event, and sponsor dollars are needed for items including the musher purse and race operations.
Opportunities are still available for:
• Mile Marker Sponsors: For $100, businesses or individuals can sponsor a mile of the trail.
• Financial Sponsorships: Range from $300 (Wheel Dog) to $1,000 (Trail Boss).
The Chamber also accepts contributions of any size toward the operation of the event.
“The WolfTrack Classic isn’t just a race; it’s a heartbeat of our winter community,” says Race Coordinator Eva Sebesta. “From the first-time junior musher to the veteran road-crossing volunteer, everyone plays a part in making this a safe and spectacular event.”
For more information on registering as a volunteer, becoming a sponsor, or viewing the race, visit www. wolftrackclassic.com or contact Eva at 218-365-6123.
