Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k

🐾 Welcome to the 2025 Mushing Mutts Canicross Race & Dog-Friendly 5K!

Join us on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Holly Springs, NC for an unforgettable day of trail running, dog-powered fun, and community connection — now in its 2nd year, hosted by North Carolina Urban Mushing!

🏃‍♂️ Event Options:

• Canicross Race: A competitive, dog-powered trail run
• Dog-Friendly 5K: Open to runners and walkers with or without dogs
• Virtual 5K: Run from anywhere, get awesome swag, and support a great cause!

💙 Why We Run

We’re proud to partner with Saving Grace NC, a Wake Forest-based dog rescue. All race profits and donations will go directly toward helping them save more lives.

🎁 What's Included:

• Finisher medal: Every participant earns a medal
• Goodie bag: Treats for you and your pup
• Awards: For top 3 in Canicross Race categories: Male / Female / Non-binary / Junior / Masters
• Race T-shirt: Available as an optional add-on (included for virtual participants)

🐕 What is Canicross?

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 for your dog
• Waist belt: Hands-free for the runner
• Bungee line: Connecting dog to runner
• Position: Dogs must run ahead or alongside, not behind the runner

🐾 Dog-Friendly 5K Rules:

• Participation: Open to all runners and walkers — with or without dogs
• Leash: Dogs must be leashed (no retractables or leashes over 6 ft)
• Head collars: No head collars (e.g., Halti or Gentle Leaders) while running

👧 Kids & Families:

We encourage Junior Participation, but request Children under 15 run with a registered adult.

🏞️ Course Info:

• Distance: 5K
• Terrain: Gravel, grass, dirt, roots, and hills
• Trail Type: Mostly doubletrack with one singletrack uphill section
• Water/aid station: Located halfway through the course

📅 Race Day Schedule:

All races are chip-timed with rolling starts to reduce crowding.

Friday, December 5

• Packet Pickup: 2:30–5:30 PM at Bull City Running Co. (South Durham)

Saturday, December 6 – Race Day

• 7:00 AM: Parking opens
• 8:00 AM: On-site packet pickup
• 8:45 AM: Canicross race briefing
• 9:00 AM: Canicross race start
• 9:45 AM: Dog-friendly 5K briefing
• 10:00 AM: Dog-friendly 5K run/walk start

📸 Photography:

A professional photographer will be on course. Photos will be available for purchase post-race.

🐶 Dog Policy (Very Important!):

• NO GREET policy: No dog-to-dog greeting, and please ask the dog's handler before any dog-to-human greetings
• Control: Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times on the grounds unless you are in the designated dog park
• Leash limits: NO FLEXI LEASHES or leashes longer than 6ft
• Muzzles: Allowed if they permit full panting

👩‍⚕️ Medical & Safety:

A medic will be on-site for human injuries. We aim to have a vet tech on-site for minor dog emergencies.

In an emergency:

• Human: Use phone to call 911 or notify race staff
• Canine: Vet clinics nearby include Petfolk Veterinary Urgent Care and Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital (both in Holly Springs)

📢 Race Briefings:

Safety briefings will be given before each event, covering:

• Course layout
• Known hazards
• Emergency procedures
• Race rules

🛍️ Vendor Market & Sponsors:

Stick around after the race to browse our on-site holiday vendor market, featuring businesses that support dog-friendly sports and outdoor fun!

Interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor?

• Sponsor deadline: November 15, 2025
• Vendor deadline: December 1, 2025
• Signup Links: Sponsor Signup Link & Sponsor Packet Link

🌦️ Weather Plan:

The race will proceed rain or shine unless extreme weather occurs. In that case:

• We may delay the start
• If unsafe, we’ll switch to a virtual format

🤝 Volunteer With Us:

We need help before, during, and after the race. Volunteers receive a free race shirt. Let us know you’re interested when registering or use this link: Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k Volunteer Registration

🔗 Race Information:

For more details and registration, visit this link.