Bell Atlantic Mobile Sled Dog Race Attracts Top Teams From U.S. and Canada

WESTLINE, PA — Top sled dog teams from the United States and Canada will compete in the Bell Atlantic Mobile Sled Dog Race on January 30. Competitors will vie for $12,000 in cash prizes in the race which begins and ends in Westline, Pennsylvania. Larry Brunswick of Minnesota is expected to return and defend his 1997 title when he took first place.

The course, which has been extended this year to 76 miles from 60 miles, runs through the Allegheny National Forest. Once again, key mushers will be equipped with wireless phones from Bell Atlantic Mobile.

"Using wireless technology puts our race on the cutting edge," said Jerry Clark, one of the organizers. "If any of the mushers have a problem, such as a serious fall or breakdown, we can be alerted instantly."

News media will be given the phone numbers for the mushers and will have an opportunity to talk to the mushers while the race is in progress. The trail boss will also be available by cellular phone to give up-to-the minute trail conditions.

Westline's Super Winterfest will complement the races with a full weekend of winter events including the Straub Weight Pull, horse drawn sleigh rides, a "Frost Bite" foot race and for the first time a cross-country skiing scavenger hunt. (See attached for complete listing and event times and locations.)

Since parking is unavailable in Westline, free shuttle buses from parking lots in surrounding areas will run Saturday and Sunday.

Bell Atlantic Mobile owns and operates the largest wireless network in the East, covering 112,000 square miles, and the largest chain of retail outlets devoted exclusively to wireless voice, data and paging. For more information on Bell Atlantic Mobile visit: www.bam.com

####