When you think of huskies, your mind leaps to their native lands of Siberia, to images of them pulling sleds across the arctic circle, to ice and snow, rather than Rendlesham forest.

East Anglian Daily Times: Crowds of people and dogs gathered at RendleshamCrowds of people and dogs gathered at Rendlesham (Image: Archant 2021)

However, this weekend more than a thousand dogs descended on the woodland, which is better known for extra-terrestrial sightings than sporting activities.

East Anglian Daily Times: Some people are involved for the speed and adrenaline, and others for the appreciation of the beautiful animalsSome people are involved for the speed and adrenaline, and others for the appreciation of the beautiful animals (Image: Archant 2021)

This was to compete in the British Siberian Husky Racing Association's 25th anniversary race.

East Anglian Daily Times: Husky Teams come in a variety of numbers, with eight, six, four, three, two and one dog configurations competing this weekendHusky Teams come in a variety of numbers, with eight, six, four, three, two and one dog configurations competing this weekend (Image: Archant 2021)

The BSHRA, which has been operating since 1996, was holding its first event since March 2020, and everyone was very excited.

East Anglian Daily Times: Here a four dog team barrels around a cornerHere a four dog team barrels around a corner (Image: Archant 2021)

Teams had to run a three mile track twisting and turning its way through the forest.

East Anglian Daily Times: While here a six dog team speeds down a straightWhile here a six dog team speeds down a straight (Image: Archant 2021)

Organiser, Steve Rooke said: "There's more rolling resistance moving through dirt than with good runners over snow — this is part of why the race isn't all that long, though the fact that we have warmer, more humid weather also has an impact.

East Anglian Daily Times: Humidity is one of the main limiting factors for the dogs performanceHumidity is one of the main limiting factors for the dogs performance (Image: Archant 2021)

"Humidity is the thing dogs really struggle with, and as a race organiser you have to be responsible for the teams and give them something challenging, but not dangerous."

East Anglian Daily Times: Racers move at high speeds, especially downhillRacers move at high speeds, especially downhill (Image: Archant 2021)