February 5, 2009—Park City, Utah—Fifteen-year-old Krista Halsnes from Steamboat Springs, Colo., posted the fastest time on Day Six of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR).  Halsnes, a freshman at Steamboat Springs High School averaged 10.6 miles per hour on the 53-mile stage for a time of 5:00:43. Melanie Shirilla from Lincoln, Mont., was second with a time of 5:02:42.  Ken Josefsen was third with a time of 5:04:22.

In overall times, Shirilla maintains the lead with 19:29:43.  Wendy Davis from Lander, Wyo., is second with 20:17:41, and Sam Perrino from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories in Canada is third with 20:29:19.

On Friday, the 45-mile Bridger Valley Stage begins at 10 a.m. on
North Slope Road 30 miles south of Evanston on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway.  The race concludes Saturday, February 7, at Quinn’s Junction in  Park City, Utah

With its unique dog-friendly "stage stop" racing format, the IPSSSDR stops in a different community each night, allowing the host towns to show their hospitality.   Festivities for mushers and spectators alike include pancake feeds, dog parades, banquets, carnivals, and snowshoe softball. 

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, the largest dog sled race in the lower 48 states, was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. For a complete schedule, visit the race website at www.wyomingstagestop.org, contact the race via e-mail at wystagestop@blissnet.com, or telephone at 307.734.1163.