Paula Harding has raced sled dogs for 19 years, and the Siberian husky trainer and breeder has participated in the Punderson Sled Dog Classic since 1996. The 4.5-mile course starts and ends on the park's golf course and follows many of the hiking trails. But a lack of ideal snow conditions has stalled the event since 2010. Even if this year's Jan. 9 and 10 race doesn't happen, Harding and her huskies will be at Cleveland Metroparks' Chalet Winteriffic Jan. 10. She talks to us about her dogs and the thrill of racing.
The dogs get really excitedjust before the race. They want to go, go, go. They scream at the top of their lungs the whole time, jumping up and down. And then when you hear the countdown "five, four, three, two, one, go" — you don't hear anything but your breath and the patter of their feet. Punderson is the only snow race we have in Ohio. It's the most physically demanding sled dog course there is around here, including Michigan, Pennsylvania and upper New York. It's really hilly. You have to be fit and on your toes. There's lots of switchbacks, and the dogs just love to see what's around the next corner. I finished in second place in 2010 with my four-dog team, just seconds behind first place. In a two-dog class I got first, and I won a jacket that has First Place Punderson Sled Dog Classic on the back. You don't get rich on this. It's more of a hobby and a thrill to do it. And I love that jacket. — as told to Jason Brill
