2023 Race Routes

For those planning to attend the race start, we will have limited parking at the Ely Softball Complex located off of 17th Avenue/Hwy 1 and Old Airport Road. Look for the Forest Concrete signs. Once the spectator parking is full, street parking is available on White and Harvey Streets. Limited parking is available at the Ely Chamber of Commerce lot too. Please do not park on 17th Avenue/Highway 1. Please leave all pets at home.

Those planning to watch the race at one of the road crossings may do so, however, park well away from the crossing area and remain back from the road crossing crews. Safety first - our road crews must be able to see vehicle traffic and teams traveling on the trail. You may be asked to move to a different location or move a vehicle that creates issues with the road crossing operation.

Spectators planning to view the race at Bear Head State Park will need to purchase a state park day pass.

Race routes

The Ultimate Northwoods Challenge

Ely, Minnesota is the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness—one million acres of pristine forest with lakes, rivers, and abundant wildlife. The BWCAW is part of the Superior National Forest, over three million acres of land that is wild and scenic and offers visitors a wide variety of outdoor experiences from the serene to the adventurous. What could be more appropriate for this setting, then a sled dog race?

The WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race takes place in February each year in these beautiful, natural and wild surroundings. The WolfTrack Classic consists of two mid-distance races: a 6-dog and 8-dog competition. It all starts Sunday February 26 at 9:00 a.m. when the first 8-dog team heads down the trail on its way through 50 miles of wild and beautiful boreal forest on the Taconite trail that winds back to finish in Ely. The 6-dog teams also leave from the Ely start for a 30 mile race and also travel on the Taconite Trail winding around near Purvis Lake and back to Ely. Over 40 teams with hundreds of canine atheltes ready to go the distance in these two races. It’s always an exciting finish as the teams break through the last of the forest tree line and give their last great spurt of energy as they race towards the finish line.

Sled Dog Racing

Ely has a long record of sled dog racing. Ely's first race was held January 17-18, 1970.

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