Dogged determination at sled race

Samoyeds were among the breeds of dogs racing

Hundreds of dog lovers gathered in Aviemore for the biggest event in the British husky calendar - despite a lack of snow.

About 1,000 dogs took part in the 2007 Arden Grange Aviemore Sled Dog Rally, with mushers competing from across the UK.

More than 200 teams registered for the event, with competitors ranging in age from eight to 63.

Due to the lack of snow, teams used three-wheeled rigs instead of sleds.

'Most challenging'

The event, which is organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, began with just 12 teams in 1984 and is run on tracks around Loch Morlich in the shadow of the Cairngorms.

Teams of between two and eight dogs ran at speeds of up to 20mph over a four-mile track.

Rigs were used instead of sleds due to the lack of snow

Rally dogs included Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Samoyeds.

Event organiser Judy Wakker said: "Both dogs and musher have to be fit and many teams train all year round for this race.

"Sled dogs are here from as far as the Isle of Wight and Devon, 600 miles south, for what is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious of the British Siberian Husky Club's series of rallies.

"It was a shame we could not do it on sleds but we have had a good weekend.

"We haven't run on snows since 1995."

Many of the dogs running at the rally will also be competing at Crufts Dog Show in March.