Bark (and run) in the park: sled dogs return to Kialla

By Max Stainkamph

Jun 12, 2022

On the run: Lewis Luyken, Helen Weber and Alexandra Ball compete in the Northern Victorian Sled Dog Classic at Kialla over the long weekend. Photo by Max Stainkamph

The normally quiet birdsong along the banks of the Goulburn River at Moira Park Scout Camp was replaced by the barking of dogs, cheering of spectators and the beeping of the starter’s box over the long weekend.

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The Northern Victorian Sled Dog Classic returned from a two-year COVID-enforced hiatus at the weekend to finally celebrate its 30th edition of running in Kialla.

The event, which brings people from as far as South Australia and NSW, sets huskies, malamutes, kelpies and a whole host of dog breeds off and running through the park, towing their owners and trainers behind on bikes.

All smiles: The Northern Victorian Sled Dog Club committee. Photo by Max Stainkamph

Northern Victorian Sled Dog Club president E’vette Burrows said it was a pleasure to be back on the course, with temperatures staying cool which benefited the dogs.

"We've had a good amount of competitors from Queensland, South Australia, NSW, Victoria,“ she said.

“It's good to be out after pretty much three years, not running.”

Dynamic duo: Richard Grilk is led by two dogs at the Northern Victorian Sled Dog Classic. Photo by Max Stainkamph

Ms Burrows began participating in the sport in the mid-1990s, first with an Australian cattle dog before graduating to malamutes and then Alaskan huskies, and said she was easily snared by the sport and community which surrounded it.

“You'll find a lot of people when they first start, they have one dog. And then next year they'll have two dogs and then the progression and then they get the caravan and then they have to move to property and it's a very addictive lifestlye,” she said.

End game: Savannah Heymen crosses the line just ahead of Charlotte Davies. Photo by Max Stainkamph

Australian Sleddog Sports Association president Sean Hennessy, who was race marshall at the weekend, said the sport had been going for some 35 years in Australia.

He has three Siberian huskies, but used to have far more dogs and compete more often.

“If you've got an active dog and you like being in the outdoors, it's a really good way to be out here, to be honest,” he said.

“If people are interested they get in touch with the club here. There are a number of races around the state, around Australia.”