Throwback Thursday – Checkpoints

The Amundsen Race has four equally important checkpoints: Wilderness CP Ursvattnet, Checkpoint Norråker, Checkpoint Fjällsikten and our new Wilderness CP Västra Ormsjö — each with its own rhythm, energy and purpose.

These are the places where teams rest, refuel, reflect and maybe adapt the race strategy.

From the wild and vast CP Ursvattnet to the CP Norråker in the little village and CP Fjällsikten where the teams will finish later, checkpoints are milestones of both endurance and community.

We prepare the checkpoints as best as possible, with straw and water ready for the teams, snowmobil support where needed, volunteers and always putting the condition oft he dogs first – with vets on side.

Thank you to all mushers, handlers and volunteers who brought these moments to life in 2025.

We will be ready to see you again at the checkpoints in 2026 – for the first time also in Västra Ormsjö.

www.amundsenrace.com
Sign up! AR180 - AR250 - AR350

photos: @jose_van_trijp_fotografie ...

Throwback Thursday – Road Crossings

Every road crossing on the Amundsen Race route is mapped in advance: marked in the GPS files, highlighted as official waypoints and supported by our volunteers. These are the people who stand in the cold to guide the mushers and their dogs safely across public roads.

It’s one of those parts of the race you don’t always see in photos but our team had eyes everywhere last year and here are some photos for you.

It’s teamwork, trust and trail safety that is so important for all of us.
A quick signal, a nod and the race continues.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2025 crossings safe.
We look forward to seeing you on the trail again in 2026.     

Still thinking about running Amundsen Race 2026? AR180, AR250 or AR350 are for you to choose from. 🐺

Sign up at www.amundsenrace.com

photos: Ilonka Suiker ...

Throwback Thursday – Vet Check Edition

Before the first paw touches the trail, there’s a moment that matters more than anything else: the vet check.

At Amundsen Race, every single dog is examined with care, patience, and respect — heart, muscles, hydration, attitude, overall condition and a kiss or hug here and there is never wrong. ❤️🐺

Only dogs who are truly fit, healthy and eager to run are cleared to start.
Because for us the wellbeing of the team comes first.

Our shared goal: a safe, fair and responsible journey across the trail.

Thank you to our mushers for prioritizing their dogs.
And a big thank you to the dogs because without them there is no Amundsen Race.

See you at the 2026 vet check.
The trail awaits — but only when your team is ready.

Sign up:
www.amundsenrace.com

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photos: @jose_van_trijp_fotografie ...

TBT: Back to that moment before the start
You and your team. The sled ready. All mandatory items packed.
You take a breath — one last moment to tune in before Amundsen Race 2025.

The snowmobile arrives to pick you up and guide you to the start line.
Two final minutes pass. One last pet for every dog, a few quiet words with your handler…

And then it comes: “3… 2… 1… GOOO!”
If you’ve been longing for that feeling again, now’s your chance.

The Amundsen Race opens again for 2026.
Choose your adventure — AR180, AR250, or AR350 — and join our wonderful community.

www.amundsenrace.com
link in bio

photos: @jose_van_trijp_fotografie and Sabrina Moesker-Bos ...

Erik Jennissen - isn’t he just AMAZING?? Has nothing really to do with sled dogs himself (if we don`t count their labradoodle named Bert 😂) , yet every year he drives over 2000km one way from the Netherlands to help run Checkpoint Norråker! Next February for the 3rd year together with best mate Rob Swinkels. And...on top of that, through his company Ibex-Trade, he has been sponsoring ALL the straw needed for the race for years! 😍 If you’ve ever looked into straw prices up here in the North you know that’s some SERIOUS contribution! 😮🙏

Can we get a lot of cheers for Erik!? 👏👏👏 https://ibex-trade.nl/

See you soon again guys - you both are just awesome. 🥰💯 ...

@engcon_sweden has been with us through the years, supporting the Amundsen Sled Dog Race from start to finish. This year, we’re proud to have them back once again as one of our main sponsors, standing strong with us throughout the entire race. 💛

For 35 years, Engcon has been transforming the world of digging, but their impact goes far beyond that. They support many local associations and also help us make this incredible event possible every year, bringing people together and keeping the spirit of adventure and community alive here in Strömsund.

Thanks to their continued support, our local community grows richer in culture and involvement every single year, both from locals and mushers who travel from near and far to be part of something special.

Help us thank @engcon_group! Drop a comment, 💛 if you appreciate their support in making the race possible.

#sleddograce #strömsund
#amundsenrace2026 #changetheworldofdigging #engcon ...

The start is closer than you think

Nearly 30 teams have already signed up for Amundsen Race 2026 — will you be next?

⚠️ Remember: your entry becomes official once your payment is received — that’s when your name appears on the start list.

Image the last minutes at the start line, the months of preparation fade away, it is you, your dogs and the trail of Amundsen Race ahead.
The last seconds....3....one last kiss....2....one big breath.....1.....focus...... and GO! This is where the real adventure begins.

Join Amundsen Race 2026 and
➡️ Sign up at www.amundsenrace.com/sign-up

photos from the start of AR2025: @jose_van_trijp_fotografie ...

The dogs.
At the checkpoints, it is not just about rest - it is about love, trust and being there for each other. They are more than a team, they are family. And those moments of connection in between racing are what keep them going - listening to each other has more than once decided about a race strategy.

Amundsen Race 2026
Feb 19 - Feb 22 in Strömsund

⚠️ Registration opens Oct 5th, 12pm

Sign up and become a part of our international and amazing Amundsen family. 🐺

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photos taken at our Wilderness Checkpoint Ursvattnet 2025 by @jose_van_trijp_fotografie ...