SLED DOG LINKS:

Jackson, Wyoming—January 30, 2008—Melanie Shirilla of Lincoln, Mont., had the fastest time in Day Five of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR), moving her into the overall lead.

Shirilla ran the 58 mile course in 4:42:48. Jacques Philip of Nenana, Alaska, was second with 4:56:49. In third for the day, Bruce Magnusson from Manchester, Mich., posted a time of 4:57:38.

In overall times, Shirilla takes the lead with 19:04:56; Wendy Davis from Lander, Wyo. moves to second place with a time of 19:12:32; and Jacques Philip maintains his third-place position with a time of 19:36:26.

Currently, 14 teams remain in the race in a year challenged by extreme weather conditions. Teams departed from Alpine on the Greys River Trail to Box Y Guest Ranch before returning to Alpine on today’s course. Teams travel to Kemmerer/Diamondville, where they will depart from Lake Viva Naughton, on Thursday, January 31. On February 1 they compete in the Bridger Valley Stage then finish in Park City, Utah, with the final stage and awards ceremony on February 2.

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.

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 sled dog 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 http://www.wyomingstagestop.org, contact the race via e-mail at [email protected], or telephone at 307.734.1163.

Media Contact: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, 307.734.5335, [email protected]