Let's Host A Race

SPEAKER_2 (0:06)

Support for this podcast and the following message for parents comes from Target.

Target believes that the joy of everyday life is all around us, and that imagination and curiosity fuel a lifetime of learning for children and families. Target is a proud sponsor of PBS Kids.

Walter (0:40)

Let's go.

Molly Mabray (1:05)

Molly Mabray here, and it's a beautiful winter day in Kaya, Alaska, where our own Tuio Kami is racing around the lake, pulled by his team of three dogs. I'm joined, as always, at the finish line by my dog expert, Suki.

That's right, Suki. This is Pled Dog Racing at its finest. Oh, I see Tooey and his team coming around the lake, and they're moving fast.

Those dogs can really run, Suki. Yes, I've never seen them move faster. Tooey is in total control of his team. This is what he's been training for. He's almost here at the finish line.

Tooey Kami (1:49)

Will he beat his own record?

Molly Mabray (1:52)

Look at those huskies pull! Tooey, Okami, can we have a few words for MDSN?

Tooey Kami (2:10)

Sure thing Molly.

Molly Mabray (2:12)

Congratulations Tooey. You got around the lake in 12 minutes 17.5 seconds.

A new record for you.

Tooey Kami (2:19)

Yes! We did it team!

Molly Mabray (2:22)

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

Tooey Kami (2:24)

Well like always, I was inspired by my hero. The great champion musher Eugene Pike as well as my dad Kenji who taught me everything I know about driving sled dogs.

And I couldn't have done it without my amazing dogs, Luca, Rascal and Jax. The best sled dogs around.

Molly Mabray (2:45)

Tooey, with just two days before the Arctic Wolf Junior Relay in Talkeetna. Do you think you and your team are ready?

Sorry, allergies.

Tooey Kami (2:58)

I hope so, Molly. We've been training all year.

The best junior mushers in all of Alaska will be in that race.

Molly Mabray (3:06)

And you'll be amazing!

She says she's got a delivery to make in Talkeetna. And I could come along to see the race course from the air. Tooey, do you want to come too? That would be great. Then, for the Molly of Denali Sports Network, this is Molly Mabray saying, See you in the snow.

Jay (3:43)

Okay, we're almost over Talkeetna. The race course is just outside of town.

Should be right over there.

Tooey Kami (3:51)

Wait, that doesn't look right.

Molly Mabray (3:53)

What is it, Tooey?

Tooey Kami (3:55)

That's the course. But there's hardly any snow on the ground.

Jay (3:59)

You're right, Tooey. It looks pretty bare down there.

No snow at all.

Molly Mabray (4:04)

What does that mean?

Tooey Kami (4:05)

Without enough snow on the ground, the dogs won't be able to pull the sleds.

Molly Mabray (4:10)

But there's tons of snow back in Kaia.

Jay (4:12)

Different parts of Alaska can have very different kinds of weather.

Tooey Kami (4:17)

It seems like there's less and less snow on the ground every year.

Jay (4:20)

It's true, Tooey. The climate is changing.

Weather is getting more unpredictable.

Tooey Kami (4:26)

Without enough snow, the Arctic Wolf Relay could be canceled.

Jay (4:31)

Oh, Tooey, I know how hard you and your team have been training.

Tooey Kami (4:36)

My... dogs are going to be so disappointed.

Molly Mabray (4:40)

Sorry, Tooey.

Jay (4:45)

Layla, over.

Molly, that's your dad on the radio. You want to answer?

Tooey Kami (4:58)

Hi, Walter. Over.

Molly Mabray (5:02)

We're about to turn back, Dad. What's going on?

Walter (5:05)

Auntie Mitch just called. She wants everyone to meet at the Tribal Hall for a meeting.

Molly Mabray (5:11)

Everyone in town?

Walter (5:12)

That's what she said.

Molly Mabray (5:14)

Must be important.

Jay (5:16)

Walter, do you know what it's about?

Walter (5:18)

Only that it's something really exciting that will affect every person in Kaia.

Tooey Kami (5:23)

Wonder what that could be.

Walter (5:25)

Tooey, I told your dad we'd meet him at the Tribal Hall once you guys are on the ground.

Tooey Kami (5:29)

Thanks, Walter. Over.

Molly Mabray (5:33)

Over.

Walter (5:33)

No need to naga at it. Over and out.

Jay (5:36)

Okay, kids.

Molly Mabray (5:52)

Wow, the whole town really is here. Hi, Grandpa.

Tooey Kami (5:56)

Hello, Segoia.

Molly Mabray (5:58)

Hello, Tooey.

Tooey Kami (5:59)

Hi, Nat.

Molly Mabray (6:00)

There's my dad. Let's go sit with him.

Hi, Tooey. How does the race course look?

Tooey Kami (6:07)

Hey, Dad.

Not good. I'm afraid there just isn't enough snow.

Molly Mabray (6:13)

Shh, looks like Auntie Mitch is about to start.