Leading Leicestershire-based pet accessory and dog training company, Xtra Dog is the UK home to the world famous range of Zima working dog harnesses and is thrilled to announce details of the 2014 Race To The Sky, Montana’s most important race and a qualifier for the world famous Iditarod in Alaska. Zima is one of the races’s main sponsors.

Montana's premier winter sporting event is the Race to the Sky 350 mile sled dog race. Celebrating its twenty-ninth year, it is recognised as one of the most challenging and beautiful sled dog races in the world. It is an unusual test of physical power, mental toughness, teamwork, and the special bond between man and dog. Working together, they negotiate the trail through Montana's scenic Rocky Mountains.

Each year, the race draws a growing audience of mushers, volunteers, journalists, photographers, filmmakers, and thousands of spectators from around the world.

The event commemorates the part that dogs played during World War II by starting the race at Camp Rimini War Dog Training and Reception Center each February. The dog mushing camp just outside Helena was used to train sled dogs for war and eventually became a search and rescue training camp. It celebrates the canines for their part in defending the USA.

The mission was to set up a training camp (one of only two such camps in the United States) so the soldiers could invade Norway. "They needed sled dogs that could navigate the snowy parts of Norway with equipment and to aid the soldiers. They also needed soldiers that knew how to train dogs and some that could speak fluent Norwegian."

In 1943, Camp Rimini became the training ground for 800 sled dogs, 100 pack dogs, and about 125 men to become dog mushers. It was a perfect place nestled near the Continental Divide just a few miles from the capital city of Helena, Montana. The operation existed for about a year and a half and was an excellent place to train sled dogs, perform training manoeuvres, and witness the harsh winters.

The invasion to Norway was cancelled but the efforts of the dogs and soldiers were used in search and rescue operations. They were sent to Newfoundland, Baffin Island, Labrador, Greenland, and even Alaska to retrieve equipment and supplies from downed airplanes in remote areas. All tolled, they retrieved thousands of dollars worth of equipment for the U.S. Government and were a legend in dog mushing history.

They also brought back soldiers, some alive and others were brought by for a proper burial by their families .This unusual training camp is an important part of the Race to the Sky's history. Each February, we commemorate the soldiers and sled dogs who served during World War II in this remote area of Montana.

One of the missions of this year's race is to assist groups already serving retired military dogs. They need help bringing home the military dogs who have completed their tour of duty. Currently, these war dog heroes are classified as "excess equipment." Just recently, a bill was enacted to help get these military canines back home rather than leaving them in the country of deployment. The race will also be soliciting funds to send active service dogs and their trainers care packages.

Montana still possesses 350 miles of uninterrupted pristine multiple use trails and wide-open spaces that possesses unsurpassed natural beauty in its mountains, valleys, water, and wildlife which are easily accessible. Dog mushing is a clean and environmentally friendly sport, that is quiet, and peaceful. A running dog is a happy dog. Sled dogs, for centuries, have been assisting man with basic transportation and doing what they love to do-run.

The race provides an opportunity to witness the magical bond between humans and dogs, seeing them work together as a team to meet the special challenges that only this race brings.

This year is the 29th year of the race but how did it originate? It started as Montana's Governor's Cup 500 Mile Sled Dog Race in 1986. Over the years, the race has gone through several distance changes, including adding a 250 mile race, a 300 mile race and changing the 500 mile race to a 350 mile continuous format race. The Race is also an Iditarod qualifier and has been since its start.

Eight mushers are already signed up to run the 2014 Race to the Sky (and more expected as the race draws closer), scheduled to get underway on Saturday, February 15 at historic Camp Rimini. Traditionally, most mushers wait until at least December to sign up so they can see how their training is going. To run a 350 mile race, a musher may typically have over 1,200 miles of training on their dogs.

One of the missions of this year's race is to assist groups already serving retired military dogs. They need help bringing home the military dogs who have completed their tour of duty.

Currently, these war dog heroes are classified as "excess equipment." Just recently, a bill was enacted to help get these military canines back home rather than leaving them in the country of deployment.

The race will also be soliciting funds to send active service dogs and their trainers care packages throughout the year. Did you know that one military trained dog can save as many as 150 soldiers from death or injury during their deployment. The race would like to raise awareness for these unsung heroes.

To get involved, the race will be requesting cash donations at all events including the pre-race banquet on Friday, February 14 at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds in Helena and the awards ceremony on Wednesday, February 19th at Exploration Works and along the race route as well.

For further information on the Race To The Sky or any Xtra Dog products visit their website at www.xtradog.com or telephone: 0330 088 3547.