Get Ready For The Noquemanon Animoosh Skijor 14K

2015 Noquemanon Ski Races Almost Here!

This January 25, 2015 the Noquemanon ski races now include a 14K skijor event for nordic skiers to participate in with their dogs!

Sharon Hughes of Verona, WI leaves from the starting gate of the Noquemanon Animoosh 12k Skijor race at the Noquemanon trailhead in Marquette, MI on Sunday, Jaunuary 26. (Marquette Magazine photo by Ronen Zilberman)

Marquette, MI – The Noquemanon Animoosh Skijor 12K event is a fairly new addition which features cross country skiers competing as they are pulled by teams of 1-2 dogs.  This is a great event for those passionate about their sport and their pet to combine both into one event. 

Richard Kissloff from Algonquin, IL takes off with his dog team moments after leaving the starting gate of the Noquemanon Animoosh 12k Skijor Race in Marquette, Mi on Sunday, Jaunuary 26, 2014. Kissloff went on to win the event with a time of 26:58:9. (Marquette Magazine photo by Ronen Zilberman)

Known as “the wild side of the Noque” this has got to be the most entertaining starting line-ups to watch out of all the Noque weekend events.  The skijoring event is quickly gaining in popularity in the dog-friendly community of Marquette and it’s easy to see why as this is great fun for spectators as well as participants.

Competitors in the 12K Noquemanon Animoosh Skijor Race head out on the trail moments after leaving the starting gate on Sunday, January 26, 2014, in Marquette, MI. (Marquette Magazine photo by Ronen Zilberman)

Anticipation builds in intensity as owners and their dog companions get ramped up for the race start.  The dogs can hardly contain themselves barking, jumping, and whining in excitement creating a circus of action as the teams attempt to line-up.  As participants leave the starting line in 2 minute intervals it’s fun to watch as they either come rushing out full-force or prance along casually while being prodded along to resist distractions from on-lookers as they find their running pace.

Deanna Clark of Madison, WI takes off with her dog team in the Animoosh Skijor Race on the Noquemanon Trail in Marquette, Mi on Sunday, Jaunuary 26, 2014. Clark won first place for the women’s 2 dog team division and came in third place overall. (Marquette Magazine photo by Ronen Zilberman)

Overall I have to say that the Noquemanon Animoosh Skijor 12K  is a fun event to bring the kids to see and then head out on your own leisurely family outing on the trails!

Melanie Bomier of Bamum, MN gives her dog a pep talk before the start of the Noquemanon Animoosh Skijor Race on Sunday, January 26, 2014 in Marquette, MI. (Marquette Magazine photo by Ronen Zilberman)

by Erica McMillan

Out of curiosity and necessity I have become accustomed to wearing many hats in life. The latest hat in my collection is as owner/publisher/author/photographer/videographer for Marquette Magazine. Among other things I am a doula, certified breastfeeding counselor, NMU student, and mother of 5... whew, I'm getting tired just writing that...

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