A group of both active and retired mushers got together to establish a ten dog continuous unassisted race of 200 miles or more that would be a qualifier for the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest for the more advanced mushers, with an 80 mile 6-dog race for the less experienced, recreational musher to be included. At our original meeting, a board of 7 directors were elected and the name of Torch River R
un Sled Dog Race was chosen. A motion to be incorporated was also made at that time. The name comes from a previous small race that was held in the Candle Lake area in which we crossed the Torch River several times. The original 200 mile 10-dog race went from Christopher Lake to Tobin Lake and the 6-dog went from Fishing Lake to Tobin Lake using the same route, the majority of which was on existing snowmobile trails. Although the first couple of races were successful it became very clear that in order to continue with our original goal, we needed a lot more help and money. With the declining interest in the 10-dog event and the increased interest in a 6-dog event, at our 2012 Annual meeting a motion was made for our 2013 race that we hold an 8-dog, 2-day, 40 miles per day event, all in the Christopher Lake area using existing groomed trails. This format was so successful that the event continues on. As with any organized event it takes an incredible amount of volunteers on a year round basis. The sponsors also play a major part and are greatly appreciated. Without them it would be very difficult to hold an event like this. However, most important of any sled dog race are the mushers. Without their support there would be no need for any of the rest.
