In pictures: Canine competitors race on Niven Lake

Amateur athletes showed determination, skill and a whole lot of cuteness on Yellowknife’s Niven Lake on Saturday afternoon.

More than 20 furry, four-legged contenders participated in the first Rag Tag Dog Races, competing in skijoring and kicksledding events on the track around the frozen lake.

Anita Reiss was an organizer of the volunteer-run event.

“I live close by and every evening I’ve been coming by with my dog, Saba, and it’s so nicely plowed and it’s so fast. And I thought to myself, this really seems like a good race track,” Reiss said of the genesis of the event.

Reiss said the event saw a good turnout, especially considering the cold weather. She said the highlight for her was seeing the community come together, and she thanked people for volunteering their time.

“It has been pretty funny watching some of the dogs get pulled by their owners,” she added.

Athletes and their human companions competed not only for glory, but for prizes including toys, leashes and treats donated by local businesses Borealis Kennels & Pet Specialties, Bone & Biscuit Co and Overlander Sports.

Nicole Goodmn and Ben Linaker provided colour commentary throughout the event, even attempting to interview some of the competitors.

“It’s really painting a picture with our words,” GoodMn explained.

“Something we’ve realized is that most of dog racing is just standing, watching dogs far away that you can’t really see.

“So it’s helpful when someone interprets, especially when they interpret with a mix of things that are true, imagined, real, extra real, all in your head. It’s all a rich tapestry.”

Goodman said she was surprised that almost every competitor completed their race. She said the day brought “some real nail-biters, some real photo finishes, just the spirit of joy and friendship.”

There were also a few unexpected moments.

One dog team made it about 100 metres down the track, got confused and turned back to the start, Goodman said, while a dog from a two-dog team got loose and began racing around the track on their own while their teammates trailed behind.

Still, Linaker and Goodman said they were impressed by some of the athletes.

They gave a special shoutout to Darcy Bourassa, who ran around the track ahead of his dog to encourage his pup to keep racing.

“There was no struggle. That was incredible,” Linaker described.

Goodman said one team was really strategic by remaining neck and neck with their competitors until coming around the final turn, when they used their reserves to burst ahead and win the race.

“We have no idea how much of this is intentional or planned,” she said, explaining much of the commentary was made up.

“But it’s a beautiful day, great day for everybody.”

“What a beautiful jour for a skijor,” Linaker added before heading off to commentate the final race.

And from Cabin Radio to the dogs that participated: woof, woof, woof. They’ll know what that means.