Skrevet av: Hanne Rosenberg/Audur Inga Olavsdottir
Dato: 17.02.2004 22:01
The biggest Finnmarksløpet race ever is approaching rapidly. Over 80 drivers will be situated at the starting point on saturday 6th of march. Although it was discussed to devide the start in two categories, due to numerous participants, which caused lack of space at the starting place and at the checkpoint in Skoganvarre, this has now been canceled the problem has been solved.
The start takes place in Alta centrum at 12:00, just after the mayor has declared its start. The participants who drive the 1000 km race are first to start, accompanied with invited guests and sponsores as passengers in their sled. The same participants will then restart the race at Alta Friluftspark - Sorrisniva. When the last man in the 1000 km race is gone, the 500 km race starts. Those who participate in that race are not to restart again. As before, a one minuite distance is kept from one starting participant to another.
From the start 2003 in Alta Centre. Photo: Jon Arne Wilhelmsen
It will be an extraordinary sight when so many participants will drive along Alta river, almost like a parade, says track leader Marit Honerød with enthusiasm. She will ask spectatores to be located alongside the racetrack and to cheer the participants as they drive through. Many of the spectatores who will show up in Alta are dog owners, as well as dog sled drivers. They are likely to show up with their dogs. Alta community and the police have agreed to cooperate with Finnmarksløpet at the starting day by having everything under control.
The developer in this years race has to face many exciting challenges, especially when it comes to making space for all of the dog teams. It is crucial that each participant has good and safe relations for themselves and for their dogs. Track leader Honerød has anounced that Jan Arne Jakobsen, who has been track leader and a dog sled driver for many years, is responsible for Skoganvarre check point. With his long term experience, it is safe to say that he has everything under control in Skoganvarre when it comes to any arrangement for the numerous dog teams and the cars who accompany them.