Nominate candidates for the handler award

During the Finnmark Race, all mushers have a handler ­– a person who assists the musher. The handler is very important, as he or she will look after the participant during the race, facilitate for food and sleep, and not least focus on tactics and competitors. A handler is always nearby the musher at the check-points, except at the wilderness check-points.

It is a tradition that the bachelor students in Arctic Friluftsliv from UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, campus Alta, hand out the best handler award in FL-1000. The award goes to a person who excels beyond their ordinary tasks.

 From the left: Haakon Zeiner Hansen, Morten Gjørlihagen, Committee-leader Anne-Lise Berg, Anja Åse Wied, Reidar Arnesen and Eirik Hellerud.

The jury will emphasize the following criteria:

- The handler shows respect for rules, volunteers, audience members and other teams.
- The handler spreads joy and enthusiasm.
- The handler is generous and helpful toward others. 

The prize is a luhkka from Fjellräven, a sami belt with a large knife, and a silver button. This is a prize that is supposed to symbolize the handler. The Sami have always used silver as protection when crossing the Finnmark plateau, as silver were seen to protect against mythical creatures. A handler is supposed to protect the handler during the race. The knife is a lasting companion you need to survive – a useful tool. The belt, made of leather, symbolizes the need for support and holding the musher up during the tough competition. The luhkka is a garment protecting against wind and weather. 

If you have seen handers who stand out in a positive way, get in touch right away! Tell us why you think this musher deserves the award.

Send an e-mail to: Handlerprisen@outlook.com