FL-500: - The goal is to survive the Tana River

The whole leg from Levajok to Karasjok is done on a river. This can be monotone for both musher and dogs. When asked how she is going gain a few minutes on the competition Lihagen replies that her plan is to just get through the leg on the Tana River.

-It can get very monotone, so I am planning to listen to music the whole leg.

In 2012 Lihagen’s dogs finished in fifth place in FL-500, with musher Ole Sigleif Johansen. This means they are an experienced dog team. 

Lihagen putting socks on her dogs before departing from Levajok.
Photo: Markus Leistad

Several mushers have started only minutes behind Lihagen so it will be a close race up the river. Reports indicate good tracks after about an hour’s racing. 

Katy Meiers' lead dogs ready to start the up the Tana River.
Photo: Markus Leistad

 

Katy Meier saying goodbye to Levajok.
Photo: Markus Leistad

Levajok
Photo: Geir Stian Altmann Larsen