Buddy Streeper gets double win in Manitoba Championship

Buddy Streeper gets double win in Manitoba Championship

Team Streeper Kennels kept their moment rolling, claiming a double win in the main events in the Manitoba Championship.

The races were in held in Cross Lake Manitoba, in the remote northern part of the province. Cross Lake is a busy community of nearly 8000 people, with many of their economy being supported by the many hydro powered dams in the area.

The race featured many of the top teams in Canada, with several past champions, and top up and coming mushers. Some teams traveled from as far away as Fort Nelson BC, and Montreal Quebec.

The race would be held March 1-3, and was run on a varying trail, run across lakes, rivers and road right aways. All of the mushers were happy with the well prepared trail.

The 10 dog class, would be highly competitive race, with the top three mushers being sperated by less then 2 minutes after the three day, 90 mile race. Buddy Streeper from Fort Nelson Claimed the top spot, and his third title at this event.

The other race to take place was the 6 dog class, it would be a two day, 28 mile race, with 20 competitors racing for the title. The first day was a very fast, and the top two teams were separated by less then 1 second, with Streeper trailing top local musher, Jillian Trout. On the second and final day of the race, Streeper got off to a fast start and did not let off, running away from the pack, and claiming the come from behind victory.

Streeper praised his dogs at the finish, and treated them with snacks for the hard work. At the banquet mushers were presented with many gifts from local Native artists. The next race on the northern circuit will be the famous dog mushing town in Brotchet Manitoba.

photo and story by renowned artist Liz Stewart