25th Aviemore Sled Dog Rally

Over 1000 Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Samoyeds, and 3000 spectators are expected to gather later this month at Loch Morlich in the Scottish Highlands for the 25th anniversary of the winter Aviemore Sled Dog Rally.

The event which takes place on 19th and 20th January 2008, is organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, sponsored by the pet food manufacturer Arden Grange and is in conjunction with the Forestry Commission agency Forest Enterprise.

The rally features teams of between two and eight sled dogs pulling sleds at speeds of up to 20 miles an hour. The age range of the dogs' mushers varies enormously from 8 years old to over 60.

Just a dozen teams ran in the first rally in 1984. With over 250 teams racing this year, the event is now is one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in Europe. Many of the dogs running at the Rally will also be competing at Crufts in March.

The event is free to spectators.