Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k

Welcome

Welcome to the 2026 Mushing Mutts Canicross Race & Dog-Friendly 5K! Join us on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 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

This year we’re proud to partner with Turtle Pants Farm, an all animal sanctuary and rescue adopting out cats and dogs in Pittsboro. All race profits and donations will go directly toward helping them help more animals find their best forever homes.

What's Included

• Finisher medal: (LOGO TO BE UPDATED SOON)
• Goodie bag: with treats for you and your pup
• Awards: for top 3 in each of the following categories
  • Canicross Race: Male / Female / Non-binary / Junior / Masters categories

T-Shirts will be available for purchase on registration (LOGO TO BE UPDATED SOON).

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

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

Dog-Friendly 5K Rules

• Open to all: runners and walkers — with or without dogs
• Dogs must be leashed: (no retractables or leashes over 6 ft)
• 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 4: Packet Pickup: Bull City Running Co. (South Durham)
• Saturday, December 5– 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
• 10:45-11 AM: Awards begin
• 12:00 PM: Vendor Market Closes

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
• Dogs must be leashed: and under control at all times on the grounds unless you are in the designated dog park
• NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES: or leashes longer than 6ft
• Basket Muzzles allowed: if they permit full panting
• You are responsible: for your dog’s behavior at all times

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

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, 2026
• Vendor deadline: December 1, 2026
• Signup Link: Sponsor Signup Link
• Packet 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 time. If it would be unsafe even with a delay we’ll switch to a virtual format.

Medical & Safety

A medic will be on-site for human injuries. We will have a veterinarian on-site for minor dog emergencies. Runners may carry phones: all staff will have phones.

In an emergency:

• Human: Use phone to call 911 or notify race staff
• Canine: Nearby Emergency vet clinics include our sponsor: Peak Paws Advanced Veterinary Hospital

Race Briefings

Safety briefings will be given before each event. We’ll cover:

• Course layout
• Known hazards
• Emergency procedures
• Race rules: (passing/ect)