Sled dog racing has a long tradition in Tamworth. Arthur T. Walden, while living in Wonalancet, developed the iconic Chinook bred, founded the New England Sled Dog Club (NESDC) in 1924, and ran the first sled dog race in the area. In 1928, Walden became the lead dog trainer and driver for Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s expedition to Antarctica. It must have seemed natural for the newly formed Tamworth Outing Club’s executive committee to sponsor and run the TOC’s first sled dog race in March of 1937.

Weather and snow conditions permitting, TOC partners with the New England Sled Dog Club (NESDC) and North Country Mushers (NCM) for our one-day Sled Dog Fun Day event, held on a Sunday in February. TOC, working with local landowners and the Ossipee Valley Snowmobile Club, provides groomed trails in and around the Wonalancet Intervale. NCM and NESDC organizers recruit teams and sets race schedules for their respective clubs, with NCM teams running a long-distance race on the snowmobile trails from the Wonalancet Intervale towards North Sandwich and NESDC teams running short-distance races around the Intervale. Skijoring teams, featuring a cross-country skier and sled dog, also compete. The TOC Snack Trailer is on hand, serving up delicious homemade food throughout the day to hungry mushers and spectators.

Admission is free for spectators, who are welcome to watch the teams, talk to drivers, and see the action. The proceeds from our concession trailer with food, hot beverages, and race memorabilia benefit the Tamworth Outing Club.