Shirilla Still On Top After Day Five of the IPSSSDR, Maintains Overall Lead

February 1, 2006—Melanie Shirilla from Lincoln, Montana, came in first on Day Five of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) with a time of 4:24:24.  Jacques Philip from Nenana, Alaska, was second in today’s race in 4:48:13.  Wendy Davis from Lander, Wyoming was third in 4:55:03

Overall leaders remain the same as Day Four with Shirilla in first with a time of 13:46:17; Philip in second place with a time of 14:27:45; and Beck, third overall, with a time of 14:41:33.

Teams left on the 57 mile run from Alpine’s starting line amidst heavy snow conditions at 9:00 a.m.   Following today’s race, mushers travel to Kemmerer/Diamondville for Day Six of the race on February 2.  The Evanston/Mountain View stage takes place on February 3; followed by the race conclusion in Park City, Utah, on February 4.

With its unique “stage stop” racing format, the IPSSSDR stops in a different community each night, allowing Wyoming’s host towns to show their hospitality:  Festivities on offer for mushers and spectators alike include pancake feeds, dog parades, banquets, carnivals, and snowshoe softball

Pedigree® Food for Dogs is the title sponsor of the IPSSSDR.  The Pedigree® brand actively supports a wide range of programs that promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the contributions dogs make to society. 

The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. For complete times from today’s race,  visit the race Website at www.wyomingstagestop.org, contact the race via e-mail at wystagestop@blissnet.com, or telephone at (307) 734-1163.

For high resolution images of the race, contact race photographer Leine Stikkel at
lennistikkel@yahoo.com.