- Elizabeth Morrison

The Race Worth Fighting For

       When Robin Clark was asked what she does to describe in one word, she replied, exhilarating. Robin grew up in Kalamazoo and was always interested in dogs, but what drew this Michigan native to sled dog racing-a sport common in Alaska?
         Since she was a girl, Robin has been very involved with dogs. She trained the canines for their showy competitions. The dog shows were not the only outlet that interested Robin. “Dog sledding was just one of the things you could do with the dogs,” she stated.
         Robin has participated in ten to twelve sled dog races throughout the past five years, and claims that each one is a new experience for her. It is a opportunity she thinks everyone should partake in. She explained the process of an average race day, and what makes it so special to her.
         The day would start with the sun; rising early. With the morning comes several different competitions. These include weight pull, obedience, and dogs pulling skis. “At the beginning it is exciting and nerve wracking waiting to start, but when you’re half way through the race it’s very calm and peaceful. At the end, when the dogs see the finish line, they speed up and put their last effort in it.”
         When Robin is not getting an adrenaline rush from the races she is spending time outdoors on the trails of her backyard with her daughter and her own dogs. Robin says it takes a lot of effort and commitment to be a sled dog racer, but it pays off in the end. This has changed her priorities in life, but for the better. She has won the race.