THE YOUNG EYES ON DOG SLEDDING EVENTS – Themes that contribute to the event experiences of young dog mushers attending Finnmarksløpet 2024

Abstract

This qualitative study aims to highlight the themes that contribute to the event experiences of young dog mushers attending dog-sled events. Finnmarksløpet, the longest dog-sledding race in Europe, serves as the focus event and underpins the theory of event experience with real-life examples. Dog mushing is a popular sport in the Arctic, especially in Norway. The associated community is very close-knit and the dynamics of the sport can be complex for outsiders. So, to better understand this extreme sports event, its participants and dog mushing, it is crucial to have a closer look at the race. Finnmarksløpet runs under the category of leisure events. This form of event includes different notions like well-being and self-development and exhibits a high degree of involvement. All these aspects are also intricately linked to the core of an event, the event experience. Pine and Gilmore (1998) have been the pioneers in highlighting its importance and among others, brought Benckendorff and Pearce (2020) the psychological aspect into context. It became clear that the event experience is divided into three phases (pre-, on-site-, and post-event) and connected to several stakeholders. These aspects are put into context with the experiences of young dog mushers. This Master’s thesis looks at the Finnmark race 2024 and its young participants, using mixed methods consisting of interviews and observations. The research clarified that specific themes contribute notably to the event experience. The young mushers are exceptionally interested in nature, the people and the dogs. These aspects present the motivation to participate and strongly influence the on-site event and the time afterward. The Arctic nature is fundamental to the young generation as it provides them with challenges and beautiful landscapes. The people stand for support and an exchange between like-minded people. The dogs, on the other hand, are the core. They connect all the mushers and make the event what it is. In particular, the dogs’ health and caretaking play a special role in the event experience. Moreover, Finnmarksløpet stands for a great goal that the young generation is striving for and for ambition within the community. So, the race carries a lot more meaning and dynamics than is apparent at first glance. The event experiences of young mushers are highly personal and lay the foundation for a continuous repetition of the race.