Gin Gin 200 Race Information
This race is an Iditarod & Yukon Quest Qualifier.
The Gin Gin covers approximately 200 miles in the Alaska Range.
The first leg will be 50 miles, second leg: 109 miles, final leg is 42 miles.
There will be 2 mandatory 6 hour layovers, at both Maclaren River Lodge.
Start & finish at Paxson Lodge

Race Updates

2008 Gin Gin 200 Rules

There will be someone at Paxson Lodge to do sign-ups 6:00-10:00 Friday, Dec. 26

Pre-race meeting: 8:30 am. Dec. 27
Race Start; Women; 11:00 am. Dec. 27, Men 12:00 pm. Dec. 27
Entry fee for both divisions is $215, entries after Dec. 1 are $255, cash only.
Entries are not official until we receive the signed waiver and the entry fee.
Limited to 50 teams, 10-dogs for both divisions

Sign up:
The Gin Gin 200 will be open to all participants 18 years and older. There will be two divisions; a women’s division and a men’s division. Entries will be accepted in both divisions until 9:00 pm Friday, Dec. 26, 2008. Drivers must complete the entry form and hold-harmless agreement. Entry Fee is $215.00 Payable by cash or check prior to Dec. 1st, 2008 Entries after Dec. 1st --$255.00 cash only. Entry fee includes a $15 membership fee to the Gin Gin 200 Race Organization.

Drivers Meeting:
The driver’s meeting will be held at 8:30 am. Dec. 27th at Paxson Lodge. (Milepost 186 Richardson Highway.

Race Cancellation:
The race may be cancelled if the temperature is -40 or colder at 9:00 am. Dec. 26th on the airstrip at Paxson.

Vet Check:
Vet check begins at 9 am. Dogs will be checked for health and fitness. Dogs considered to be unfit will not be permitted to start. The decision of the race marshal in conjunction with the race veterinarian concerning fitness will be final.

Mandatory gear:

• Snowshoes—250 sq. inch minimum.
• Cold weather sleeping bag.
• Axe—22” minimum
• Cooker—3 gallon capacity minimum.
• Booties—8 per dog at all times except finish.
• Snow hooks—2 required.
• Headlamps—2 required.
• Dogfood—5 lbs. per dog at start.
• Mandatory gear will be checked at Maclaren and the finish line. Missing mandatory gear will be penalized at 30 mins. Per item.

Trail Etiquette:
The trail must be kept clear at all times teams resting or snacking must leave room for passing teams. Overtaking teams have the immediate right-of-way, except within one mile of Paxson at the finish. Overtaken teams shall assist with passing if requested.

Littering:
There shall be a one hour time penalty for littering.

Dogs:
All dogs must be current with rabies vaccinations. There will be a 10-dog maximum in both women’s and men’s divisions. 7-dog minimum in both divisions. Teams must finish with 7 dogs on the line or in the sled. Dogs may not run loose or be led behind the sled. Dogs carried in the sled must be secured and covered.

No whips or jinglers. Inhumane or abusive treatment of dogs will result in disqualification.
The same dogs must be used throughout the race. Dog deaths for any reason other than a vehicular accident or a moose incident will precipitate withdrawal from the Gin Gin 200.

Expired dogs must be immediately submitted to the Race Organization at the next mandatory stop. A necropsy will be performed at the driver’s expense. No product that masks signs of injury will be permitted. No injectables. The drug policies of the Yukon Quest will be followed.

Sleds:
One sled equipped with an adequate brush bow and braking device is to be used throughout the race. Repairs are to be done by the driver—help from other participants is allowed. Sled, gear, and equipment must be in good repair as determined by the race organization.

Assistance:
No planned outside assistance. Drivers may receive help in recovering a lost team. Any means of recovering a lost team is permissible except that time penalties may accrue if it is determined by race officials that an advantage was achieved.

Food drop:
There will be no food drop for the Gin Gin 200. Drivers are expected to be self-sufficient. Carry adequate food and fuel!

Dog drop:
Dogs dropped at Maclaren will incur a $50 dog transport fee.

Start:
This will be a timed start event—2 minute intervals. Women begin at 11:00 am. Men at noon. Driver’s time will begin at their time slot. Teams may leave up to one hour after the last team has departed. Time equalization will take place at the 1st Maclaren River Lodge layover.

Trail:
The Gin Gin covers approximately 200 miles in the Alaska Range. The first leg will be 50 miles, second leg: 109 miles, final leg is 42 miles.

Layovers:
There will be mandatory 6 hour layovers at both Maclaren River Lodge.

Finish:
Paxson Lodge; 1st team across—dogs and driver.

Awards:
There will be an awards ceremony at 2:00 pm. Monday Dec. 29th at Paxson Lodge.

Purse:
Projected purse for both divisions is $5000. Both divisions will pay the top 3 places.

Payout as follows:

Checkpoints:
Drivers are considered checked in when mandatory gear is verified. Drivers must sign out of Maclaren checkpoint at both stops. Campsites must be left clean upon final departure.
Gear may be left at Maclaren at the first stop may be used by the driver at his/her second stop.

Penalties:
Penalties, both time and monetary, may be assigned for littering, unsportsmanlike conduct and other trail infractions. Penalties will be applied at mandatory layovers or at the finish.

Race Officials, /Scratches? Protests:
The Race marshal is in charge of all aspects of the race from the time of entry until the awards presentation. Decisions of the Race Marshal and Judges will be considered final. The race Veterinarian shall have the final say on dog issues. Drivers may protest decisions made by the race officials and/or report rules violations in writing to the Race Marshal at any time up to the beginning of the awards presentation. Drivers will have the opportunity to personally present and discuss claims or violations with the race marshal.


Race Officials:

• Zoya DeNure - Judge
• John Schandemeier - Judge/Trail Coordinator
• Theresa Daily - Race Marshal
  
  

Drivers wishing to scratch or withdraw must notify a race official at the nearest checkpoint.
Sportsmanship is paramount. Drivers and handlers are expected to be courteous at all times. Have fun! ---and conduct yourself accordingly.

These rules are intended to guide the drivers, race officials and the race Marshal throughout the running of the Gin Gin 200. The Race Marshal and Race Judges have the right to make non-rule, on the spot decisions regarding all aspects of this race that are deemed to be for the good of the race and it’s participants.

Who was Gin Gin?
The Gin Gin 200 is named after a remarkable dog who dominated a dog kennel for over 10 years. She was an inspiration both on the trail and in the dog yard. She was a dog with unswerving loyalty and stubbornness. She did not know” quit”. Her ability, drive and attitude should serve as an example to dog drivers everywhere.