Ganondagan Canicross and Dog-Friendly 5K Trail Race

Event Overview

Join us this Fall on Sunday, October 17th for our inaugural Ganondagan Canicross Race and Dog-Friendly Races and Vendor event at the Historic Ganondagan Site in Victor, NY.

Event Options

• Canicross 5K Trail Race: A competitive, dog-powered trail race
• Dog-Friendly 5K Trail Race: Open to runners and walkers with or without dogs.

What':s Included

• Finisher Medal: A Finisher Medal (and one for your pup too!)
• Goodie Bag: A Goodie bag that includes things for both you and your pup
• Chip-Timed Bib: A Chip-timed bib

Why We Run

• Giving Back: This year, a portion of the race proceeds will go to a local dog rescue and Ganondagan State Historic Site

Canicross Description

Canicross is dog-powered trail running: both human and dog wear harnesses connected by a bungee line, and the dog is encouraged to pull you. It’s an exciting, teamwork-driven way to enjoy the trails!

Canicross Class Requirements

• Harness: Non-restrictive harness for your dog
• Waist Belt: Hands-free waist belt for the runner
• Bungee Line: Bungee line connecting dog to runner
• Running Position: Dogs must run ahead or alongside, not behind the runner

Dog-Friendly 5K Rules

• Leash Requirement: Dogs must be leashed (no retractables or leashes over 6 ft)
• No Head Collars: No head collars (e.g., Halti or Gentle Leaders) while running

Dog Policy

• NO GREET Policy: No dog-to-dog greeting, and please ask the dog's handler before any dog-to-human greetings
• Leash Control: Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times on the grounds unless you are in the designated dog park
• No Retractable Leashes: NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES or leashes longer than 6ft
• Basket Muzzles: Allowed if they permit full panting
• Behavior Responsibility: You are responsible for your dog’s behavior at all times

Awards

• Top Finishers: Top 3 Female and Top 3 Male in each race
• Age Divisions: Top 3 Female and Top 3 Male in each age division in 5-year age groups.

Weather Plan

The race will proceed rain or shine, unless extreme weather occurs. In that case, we may delay the start time. If it would be unsafe even with a delay, we’ll switch to a virtual format.

Additional Information

Additional Race and Market Schedule can be found here: https://www.dogsthatrun.net/ganondagan-race-2026

Registration

For more details, visit the official race page: Ganondagan Canicross and Dog-Friendly 5K Trail Race