Tustumena 200

The Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race runs every January on the Kenai Peninsula and has grown in reputation to draw competitive distance mushers from Alaska, the lower 48, and international locations. The T200 is a non-profit and all proceeds go back into the race(s) and help support the growing education program, community fund and local mushers who want to enter the Jr. Iditarod.

 

The race was created by Iditarod champion Dean Osmar, although rumored to be a beer run, Dean says he created the race for young, new mushers who needed qualifying race miles to run in the Iditarod. Either way a tradition was born; the race is sanctioned by the Iditarod Trail Committee and the only official qualifying race on the Kenai Peninsula and has since become a qualifying race for the Yukon Quest.

 

Beginning with just a few mushers running for a case of beer, the Tustumena now boasts a purse of $25,000 – the largest purse of any 200 mile race. The purse has managed to grow with the help of many local sponsors all of which deserve a big thanks! The race itself has grown because of the many loyal volunteers that turn out each year to support this community event!

 

Most people really enjoy the home town feel of the T200, all though the race has grown the mushers still take the time to stop and chat with the hundreds of fans that come out to enjoy the race and activities associated. Get a chance to meet some of the best mushers in the state when the race begins in Kasilof this January!