It is 8:30 AM, the sun slowly rises over the mountains behind Petter Karlsson’s kennel. The last fog of the night fades away. But this peaceful picture doesn’t last long, then the barking of almost 200 huskies reminds us why we are here today: It’s the Metsjövidda Fjällrace 2024!
Handlers helping the mushers prepare the dogs for the race, and a few spectaters try to find the perfect spots th watch the start. This year, 13 teams are participating, including experienced mushers like Malin Strid, Lars Hoffman, Daniel Juillaguet and the Swedish sled dog team captain, Marlene Halström. Everyone wants to use the unique opportunity to see if their teams are fit for the racing season.
Team Petter Karlsson
Four teams are competing for Team Petter Karlsson Sleddogs this year. In addition to Petter, Runa Inemyr, who will be representing us at the Femundlopet in Roros in a few weeks’ time, is taking part, as well as our handlers Oryan and Karina.
All 13 Teams are on Their Way
At 9:00 AM, the first teams start. A few minutes later, the entire field is on the trail, and the organizing team and the handlers of the teams take a moment for a short break. However, it’s not long before the first teams reach the two road crossings, where helpers are stationed to secure the road from cars, ensuring the teams can cross safely. This is also one of the few spots along the trail where spectators can catch a glimpse of the teams, and many take the chance to cheer them on.
After all teams have crossed the roads, the organizing team heads to the checkpoint in Danasjö. Our handlers, Julie and Sven, have already done a great job creating a path and seating area with fire pits in the deep snow. The others are now helping with the final preparations.
And Everyone Holds Their Breath
Meanwhile, Petter reports to Angela that Runa has lost one of her hooks. Then the connection breaks. Anxious looks are exchanged among the helpers. Everyone here knows that hooks are a crucial part of the sled, but if they’re not where they belong, they can pose a great danger to humans and dogs. Even though it remains unclear what exactly happened, all other teams are immediately informed to be extra cautious on this part of the trail.
When the Checkpoint Becomes a Drive-In
Meanwhile, Daniel’s team is the first to arrive at the Danasjö Checkpoint. The helpers note the times, guide the teams to their spots, and the race veterinarians, José and Philip, check the dogs.
Everyone has a different strategy for the checkpoints. Petter is known for preferring to rest on the trail and use the checkpoint more like a pit-stop in car racing. Not even 10 minutes after arriving in Danasjö, he’s back on the trail again.
By now, almost all teams have arrived in Danasjö. In the meantime it has also become clear that Runa only lost the hook, but neither she nor the team were injured. Yvonne found the hook and brought it with her. There’s now a lot of people running around, and the kitchen starts to resemble a McDonald’s drive-in. The teams’ arrivals are announced over the radio, prompting the kitchen to respond with, “Two burgers ready and one veggie, please pick up!” (They had a heard time not adding “Please drive to the second window.”…)
A Storm is Brewing
Suddenly, the weather changes. A mountain storm forces us to change the route. Instead of the planned round course the team have to do a loop coming back to Danasjö a second time, causing some teams to switch to the shorter course instead.
Photo Finish and Teamwork
On January 17, 2024, at 2:26 PM, the first three teams finish in almost a photo finish. Stephan, Malin, and Lars arrive at the finish line in Slussfors, each just a minute apart.
While the first teams arrive in Slussfors, several teams are still on the trail, including those taking the long route and some who aren’t faring as well as planned. Yvonne reports that her dogs are not motivated to continue. Petter asks her to keep resting and 3 hours later, he reaches her, and thanks to the passing team, Yvonne’s dogs feel motivated to run the final kilometers to the finish. Together with Petter, she reaches the finish line at 10:53 PM. If you want to hear the story from Yvonne’s perspective, you can find a great post on her blog!
On January 18, 2024, at 8:34 AM, the last two teams, Karina and Lars-Johan, reach the finish line after almost three days in the race. The wind has picked up again, and it’s snowing heavily. Due to the large snowdrifts, it’s initially unclear whether the handlers who stayed in Danasjö will make it back in time for the awards ceremony with their dog trucks.
The End of a Long Race, At Least for the Most…
Meanwhile, mushers, handlers, race veterinarians, and helpers gather at our guesthouse for a final meal and the awards ceremony.
And how could it be any different in Sweden, we serve “köttbullar” and mashed potatoes. After a short video summary of the past days (which you can find at the end of this article), all teams are awarded certificates and xx kilos of meat from our own cows, with the top three in each class also receiving dog care products from our sponsor Nextmune.
With emotional words, Petter and Angela thank all the teams and helpers, and with a joyful atmosphere, everyone ends this year’s Metsjövidda Fjällrace. Well, almost everyone—Lars is still stuck with his dog truck in Danasjö, waiting for the snowplow…
It has been another very successful race, and we’re already looking forward to the next! Information on this will follow soon!
