Copper Basin 300 Kicking Off Alaskan Race Season

While the big long-distance races of the season are approaching rapidly, some smaller races have also been taking place in 2021. The second weekend of the year, Copper Basin 300 was held in the wilderness of Alaska. The race took the mushers on a 300 mile loop, starting and finishing in Glennallen.

Perfect Conditions

The 33 teams starting this year’s edition of the race were blessed with amazing trail conditions on the course, containing quite some technical terrain and sharp corners throughout the race. Thumbs up to the organizers for making a fun and challenging route.  There was barely any overflow and only one open river crossing. Weather was also on the cooperative side, with 0-18 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 - -18 Celsius). It was mostly overcast, but some beautiful colors and bright stars appeared when the sky was clear. 

Fantastic trail conditions in Alaska during this years race. Photo: Whitney McLaren.

Safely Organised

Due to the pandemic, the Copper Basin organizers obviously had to enforce COVID restrictions as well. All participants needed to show a negative test within 72 hours before the race. No gatherings were allowed, and the mushers had to use their trucks at checkpoint to get their well-deserved rest. The usual post-race banquet was also cancelled. 2nd place finisher Joar Ulsom, said he experienced the whole event as very safe and well organized. 

“I am very happy and impressed by the CB 300 organization and volunteers doing a fantastic job to put this together during difficult times. Not to forget their trail boss Jamey of many years.”

— Joar Ulsom

Fourth Consecutive Win For Nicolas Petit

After 49h55m, first place finisher Nicolas Petit crossed the finishline with his team as the first musher, securing his fourth consecutive win in this race. Only 50 minutes later, previous Iditarod winner Joar Ulsom came in second. He was closely followed by Gunnar Johnson to complete the podium. 

Nicolas Petit winning Copper Basin 2021. Photo: Whitney McLaren.

Congratulations to all finishers! We look forward to follow the race once again in 2022.

Thanks to Margot Fairbanks, Whitney McLaren and Joar Ulsom for report and photos from the race.

Results are available here

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