Dogmushing has been going on for centuries in Arctic regions by Eskimos, Indians and other peoples living in northern climes. No matter what mode of transportation, people always want to know who's got the fastest. It's still the same today in Kotzebue: people want to know who's got the fastest dogs.

This was the second day of a 3 day heat, each heat going 16 miles, about an hour round trip. Although the prizes were small, monetarily, the event provided loads of entertainment for locals wanting to come out and enjoy the longer, warmer days.

There were only three racers this day, but that did not stop the crowd from getting out and enjoying the event.

On the third day, local musher Cyrus Harris won the total elapsed time, showing 172 minutes and 28 seconds, Paul Hansen's time was 174 minutes and 28 seconds while John Gallahorn's time was 176 minutes and 19 seconds. Cyrus Harris' total winnings were 4260.00, Hansen won 2805.00 and John Gallahorn won 1575.00.

Coming up in April in Kotzebue will be the Kobuk 440 and many big name mushers. In the past the 440 has hosted such mushing dignitaries as: Susan Butcher, Martin Buser, Jeff King, Charlie Boulding, John Baker and many other famous mushers.

Kotzebue, with a population of a little over 3000, is located 30 miles above the Arctic Circle on the Northwest coast of Alaska. Most of the population consists of Eskimos.