It has become one of the most elite sprint dog races in North America. The race of Champions began in 1954 and takes place every March. Everyone from professional mushers to young children take part in sprint dog races, which are very entertaining. Many locals are involved in dog racing on a recreational and professional level. Tok is also known as the “Sled Dog Capital of Alaska,” which is apparent from the number of kennels in town. However the name was decided, the modern community of Tok began as an Alaska Road Commission Camp built for the construction and maintenance of the Alaska Highway. Some thought it came from the old mining maps from the late 1800s (long before Tok existed), which called the area “Tok/Slana.” While others have said it was named after an construction worker’s dog. The area was originally settled by Athabascan Indians and the name “Tok” is thought to be derived from an Athabascan word meaning “water.” The origin of the town name, however, remains somewhat controversial. The Glenn Highway between Tok and Glennallen is known as the Tok Cut-off. The first 613 miles/987 km of the Alaska Highway are in British Columbia, where it is designated BC Highway 97 North. The Alaska Highway begins at Mile 0 in Dawson Creek, BC. 454 kms/283miles on the Alaska Highway (or 1). The Alaska Highway also intersects with the Glenn Highway leading to Glennallen, Valdez and Anchorage. From Watson Lake, YT to Whitehorse, YT is a fairly straight run of approx. Tok is often referred to as the “Gateway to Alaska,” because it is the first major community in Alaska you come to when heading north.
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