Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k

North Carolina Urban Mushing is hosting the first official Canicross Race in North Carolina and a Dog Friendly 5k for those with or without dogs who want to enjoy the course! Whether you are joining us for fun or competing for a top spot on the podium join us on December 14th, 2024 for the best day out with your dog!

We will start runners in groups of 3-5 at regular intervals to reduce crowding and bottlenecking on the course. The event is fully outdoors with ample space to distance. 

Every participant will receive a finisher medal and logo t-shirts. The top 3 Male / Female / Non-binary /Junior (under 18) in the Canicross Class are awarded!   
*Note: T-shirt/size is not guaranteed if you register after November 15, 2024.

What is Canicross?: Canicross is dog-powered trail running where both the human and dog runners are in harnesses connected by a bungee line.

Canicross Event Requirements for this class: Non-restrictive harness for the dog, hands-free waist belt for the human, bungee line connecting dog to human. The dog should not run behind the human runner.

Dog Friendly 5k: This event takes the same 5k course and is open to all runners (with and without dogs). Requirements for those with dogs: No haltis (or other head/mouth-based harnesses) while running, and no extendable leashes or leashes over 6ft.

Children under 15: will need to run with a registered adult. 

The course contains gravel, grass, dirt, roots, and hills.

Race Day Schedule: All races will be timed via a provided chip device and have a rolling start based on event size. We will have groups of 3-5 runners/teams start lines in regular intervals to reduce crowding and bottlenecking on the course. 

Packet pickup will begin at Bull City Running Co. in South Durham on Friday at 2:30 - 5:30pm along with a 7:00 am day of registration check-in

7:00 AM - Packet Pickup
8:45 AM - Briefing
9:00 AM - 5K Canicross Start
10:00 AM - 5K Casual Dog Friendly Run Start

There will be one water/aid station 1.5 miles into the course.

We will have a professional photographer located at different points on the course.

Dog Policy: Although this is a dog friendly event, we have a "NO GREET" POLICY. Dogs must be kept on a leash, and under handlers' control at all times including in the parking lot and the event area. Dogs should not interact with other dogs or humans while attending our event. Muzzles are allowed and can be worn on the course if the dog has ample room for panting. Remember, YOU are responsible for your dog's actions at all times.   

Volunteers Needed! If you can help during race day it would be much appreciated! We will need help with setup, breakdown, and during the race. If you would like to run and participate, we can accommodate you and offer our volunteers a discount on registration for participating. 

Event Area: Stick around for some of our vendors and dog-related sponsors! If you are a business and are interested in vending or sponsoring our event, please fill out our vendor/sponsor form and submit it no later than November 15, 2024.

Sponsors: We are excited to feature vendors and sponsors that support dog-related sports and activities. If you want to become a vendor or sponsor at our event, please review our sponsor packet (HERE) and complete the FORM  and submit it no later than November 15, 2024.

Weather contingency plan: The race committee feels that aside from a particularly extreme weather event, the race should be able to proceed as planned. However, in the event that conditions prevent the race from proceeding as planned, the first alternative will be to delay the start of the race until the weather event has cleared the area. The second alternative option is to convert the race to virtual if there is no way to continue as planned.

Medical Response Plan: The Race Directors have considered a full spectrum of possible incidents and injuries in planning the event. The nature of dog-friendly and Canicross racing requires competitors to be cognizant of needs of themselves and their dog. Additionally, emergency response planning is required to address potential human and canine issues. Competitors will be allowed to carry their own cellular devices on course to call for help if race personnel are not in sight. Additionally, all race personnel must always carry a cellular device while on race grounds. 

Safety Briefings/Competitor briefing: Participants will be briefed before the race starts. The race brief will include course details, known hazards, race rules, and emergency procedures. In the event of a minor injury to a human competitor, participants are to locate an aid station volunteer to seek access to first aid care. In the event of a significant injury to a human competitor, participants are to use their phone to contact 911 or contact the nearest course official or aid station volunteer. In the event of an injury to a canine competitor, participants are to work with the vet tech on-site to determine appropriate next steps.