Many in the Canadian Standardbred industry recall when harness horses would visit the Rideau Canal during the winter months to partake in historic races over the frozen waterway.

It didn’t take place in Ottawa – or even North America, for that matter – but ice racing featuring trotters did occur this past weekend.

The races took place over the frozen Yenisei River, close to the Russian settlement Novosyolovo, which is located roughly 155 miles south of the city of Krasnoyarsk.

There are few specific details regarding the ice races, but a brief report by NBC News states that since 1969 the dashes have been annually held at the end of the winter.

Much like the dashes which took place on the Rideau Canal, the races attract locals from the entire region.

The report states that the 44th Ice Derby took place Saturday (March 15) and also featured runners.

(With files from NBC News and Reuters)