Musher Jerry Joinson, left, was declared the winner in the eight-dog event. (Facebook/Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race)

By Derek Cornet

Eight-dog winner

Yukoner becomes eight-dog Canadian Challenge champion

Feb 21, 2019 | 2:01 PM

As he closed in on the finish line for the Canadian Challenge eight-dog sled race, winner Jerry Joinson of the Yukon was greeted by a bright full moon and dancing northern lights.

“Coming across Lac La Ronge last night there was a full moon and northern lights like you wouldn’t believe out there,” he said. “It was nice and warm out. It was beautiful.”

Joinson crossed the finish line shortly after 1 a.m. in the eight-dog race, which began with six mushers and slowly dwindled down to three. By 4 p.m. yesterday, last year’s winner Marcel Marin was out of the race, along with Ralph Herzog. Earlier this morning, La Ronge’s Sid Robinson also scratched out of the race after making it to Harold’s Cabin but no further. Joinson stated he didn’t know what gave him the edge in the competition, but noted he knew his dogs were ready and capable of undertaking a long-distance race.

Joinson has been competing in the Canadian Challenge since it began more than 20 years ago mostly in the 12-dog race. He started racing in the eight-dog competition last year, where he placed second behind Marin. In all the years he’s been competing in the Canadian Challenge, this marks his first win.

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“I usually run in the main race, but my wife is running the main race and I don’t want to compete against her,” Joinson said. “[The Canadian Challenge] is like a homecoming because we’ve lived in northern Saskatchewan and spent some time up in Black Lake and Southend. Seeing old friends I went to school with many years ago and seeing family is kind of nice.”

Jillian Lawton of Rocky Mountain House, Alta. placed second and Craig Rogerson of Logan Lake, B.C. took third.

Meanwhile, the 12-dog race continues with Lisa Joinson reaching the Grandmother’s Bay checkpoint around noon. She has a substantial lead of about 25 miles over Jennifer Campeau who trails in second place. Musher Coady Lee is currently in third while Gerry Walker and Dee Eaves are closely competing for fourth. Anna Bolvin and Randy Mackenzie are currently in La Ronge resting.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

by Derek Cornet

Yukoner becomes eight-dog Canadian Challenge champion

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