Go backstage at Russia’s toughest traditional sport.
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Ruslan Shamukov
You dress up, go out into the cold and prepare the dogs for a race through the endless forests of Russian Karelia (northwest Russia).
Ruslan Shamukov
It may sound crazy, but dog sled racing is a popular sport in the Russian North.
Ruslan Shamukov
One of the most famous competitions is called “On the Land of Sampo,” which takes place in January in Petrozavodsk.
Ruslan Shamukov
Only a few dog breeds possess the requisite endurance needed for these races. Usually blue-eyed huskies, malamutes and large Samoyeds are the main participants.
Ruslan Shamukov
When the dogs bark during the race it sounds like singing and can be heard far away.
Ruslan Shamukov
In the "On the Land of Sampo" race the shortest distance is about 6 km, while the medium length is about 40 km.
Ruslan Shamukov
In
the Beringia race, held annually in Kamchatka, the mushers had to cross 2000 km in 2015.
Ruslan Shamukov
All breeds have great stamina and their comfort temperature is -30°C, so they can live outside even in the coldest months of winter.
Ruslan Shamukov
Dogs that participate in the race live in a nursery in small wooden houses.
Ruslan Shamukov
The purpose of the competition is to preserve the traditions of the indigenous peoples of the North, for whom dogs have always been indispensable helpers in everyday life.
Ruslan Shamukov
After all, many settlements in the area are not connected by road.
