The Department of Natural Resources has announced that Fort Custer Recreation Area will be hosting the annual M.U.S.H. Sled Dog Races on Saturday and Sunday, January 9th and 10th.   The races are sponsored by the Mid-Union Sled Haulers (M.U.S.H.).

All events are timed, and are scheduled as follows:

SATURDAY
8:30 a.m. – Trail Help Meeting (mandatory)
9:30 a.m. – Drivers Meeting (mandatory)
11a.m. – 3 Dog Class & Junior Class
12 Noon – 5 Dog Class
1:30 p.m. – 7 Dog Class
2 p.m. – Skijoring
2:30 p.m. – 1 Dog Class (ages 5 – 12)
3 p.m. – Weight Pull

SUNDAY
10 a.m. – 3 Dog Class & Junior Class
11 a.m. – 5 Dog Class
12:30 p.m. – 7 Dog Class
1 p.m. – Skijoring
1:30 p.m. – 1 Dog Class (ages 5 – 12)
2:30 p.m. – Awards Ceremony

This “GO-Get Outdoors” activity is open to both participants and spectators; however, spectators are asked to leave their pets at home to minimize the potential distraction of the sled teams.

For more information about the race or to register for the race, contact the race co-chairs, Jo Oostveen at (231) 824-3981 or Gary Loebrich at (989) 687-5461, or visit the M.U.S.H. Web site at www.midunionsledhaulers.com.  Advance registration is preferred.

The event will be held at the Fort Custer Recreation Area on the multi-use trails. Racers will start in the campground, located one mile south of Dickman Road just east of the Village of Augusta.

For more information about this event, the park, accessibility, or persons needing accommodations to attend this event, contact the park manager at (269) 731-4200 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired) at least seven days prior to the weekend, or visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/fortcuster. Advance registration is preferred.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the entrance. Cost is $24 for resident annual and $6 for resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8.

Source:  News release from Michigan Department of Natural Resources