What is RNB in the Finnmark Race?

In sleddog racing competitions, most dogs are Alaskan Huskies. Many people perceive that to be a particular breed, however, the fact is that the Alaskan Husky is a mixed breed. A dog can be 'pure Alaskan Husky', however, that means that a few generations back it will be a mix of different breeds.

The Origins of Alaskan Huskies

The Alaskan Husky is at its core a mix of traditional polar breeds and (mainly) gun dogs. They have been mixed with the intent of combining the best of the two types; the speed and agility of the gun dogs, and the fur, paws and stamina of the traditional polar dogs. The aim has been to breed dogs that are suited for polar conditions while also being faster than the pure-breed polar dogs. A team of Alaskan Huskies will almost always run faster than a team of pure-breed polar dogs.

Micahel Shelkovin and his Sibirian huskys is one of the Mushers competing in the RNB-class. Foto: Dimitri Sharomov

Pure-breed Polar Dogs

The pure-breed polar dogs are samoyed, Greenland dogs, Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes.

With the Finnmark Race also being the IFSS World Championship, the IFSS rules have to be obeyed. That requires a separate class for pure-breed dog teams, and this class is referred to as RNB - Registeret Nordic Breed.

Compete on the same trails

In reality the RNB class dog teams run along exactly the same trail as the FL-500 dog teams. The FL-500 and the RNB teams start intermixed from the start line in Alta, and they compete along the trail without any differences. Only upon finishing the race will the RNB class have their own medal winners, just like the other races do.

In other words, the Finnmark Race and World Championship has four classes (FL-1000, FL-500, RNB and FL-Junior), however, only three different trails, as the FL-500 and the RNB trails are identical throughout the entire competition.