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22 January 2011
Last updated at 04:47 ET
More than 1,000 dogs and 200 teams are preparing to take part in Britain's biggest husky race, in the forests around Aviemore.
The event's organisers have been breaking up ice on the course and said conditions were right for fast times.
The husky race was first held in 1984 with just a dozen teams but now 200 mushers and their dogs will tackle the four-mile (6.4km) track.
The Aviemore Sled Dog Rally will take place over Saturday and Sunday.
It will be held in the Glenmore Forest Park.
Earlier this month, it looked as if the race might be held on snow for only the second time in 16 years but a prolonged thaw means the huskies will pull three-wheel rigs rather than sleds.
The course is expected to be hard and fast. The top teams should get round the course in less than 15 minutes.
Teams of two to eight dogs could reach speeds of 20mph (32kph).
Alaskan malamutes, samoyeds, Greenland dogs and Canadian Eskimo dogs will be among the breeds taking part in the event.
The rally is organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain and attracts competitors from all over the UK.
It is thought Scottish entrants may be at a disadvantage because the severe winter has disrupted their training and preparation more than that of teams from further south.
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The event's organisers have been breaking up ice on the course and said conditions were right for fast times.
The husky race was first held in 1984 with just a dozen teams but now 200 mushers and their dogs will tackle the four-mile (6.4km) track.
The Aviemore Sled Dog Rally will take place over Saturday and Sunday.
It will be held in the Glenmore Forest Park.
Earlier this month, it looked as if the race might be held on snow for only the second time in 16 years but a prolonged thaw means the huskies will pull three-wheel rigs rather than sleds.
The course is expected to be hard and fast. The top teams should get round the course in less than 15 minutes.
Teams of two to eight dogs could reach speeds of 20mph (32kph).
Alaskan malamutes, samoyeds, Greenland dogs and Canadian Eskimo dogs will be among the breeds taking part in the event.
The rally is organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain and attracts competitors from all over the UK.
It is thought Scottish entrants may be at a disadvantage because the severe winter has disrupted their training and preparation more than that of teams from further south.
Business Forum | Christian Forum | Coupon Forum | Discussion Forum | Gamers Forum
Legal Forum | Politics Forum | Sports Forum | Teen Forum | Webmaster Forum