Craig Houghton | Yukon Quest Canada

Craig Houghton

50 YEAR OLD YUKON QUEST MUSHER

Experience:

Rookie - YQ 250

Nationality:

Canadian

From:

Fort St. James, British Columbia

Occupation(s):

High school principal

Kennel Name:

Craig and Sean Racing Dogs

Kennel Name Origination:

My son and I worked together to get a team ready.

Breeds:

Alaskan husky

Bloodlines:

Variety; lots from Jerry Joinson

# of Dogs in Kennel:

How many years have you been running dogs?

Since childhood

How did you get started running dogs?

Following my dad.

How did your dogs get their names?/ How do you choose names?

We look at themes that match some recent experience we have just had.

Why did you enter the Yukon Quest? What are your goals for the race?

I was able to get the time away from school. I have a great vice-principal.

What do you love most about running sled dogs?

Being alone in the bush with my dogs. It is so much fun to watch your friends work so hard for you.

Tell us about your dogs, particularly some stories or facts about dogs running this year's race

Most of my dogs I have raised as puppies. I have a few that came from the Race Marshal!

Tell us about your favourite experience with a volunteer on the trail

Mushing in an event in Quesnel, B.C., one volunteer annually gives me a shot of fireball at the checkpoint!

What music do you listen to on the trail?

No music. I just sing to myself.

Share a quick story about one of your indispensable handlers

Handler Jody Verge looked after my team on the tundra in Churchill, Man., camping on tundra for two nights, while I stayed in a hotel.

What mushing organizations are you a member of?

I'm president of the Fort St. James Sled Dog Association. We organize two race events - "doggy doo" fun run and the Caledonia Classic Sled Dog Races.

List your recent sled dog races and/or best performances:

2022 Underdog - third place