Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k

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Sugg Farm- Grigsby Ave, Holly Springs NC

Saturday, December 6th, 2025

🐕 Welcome to the Race

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
Goodie bag: with treats for you and your pup
Awards: for top 3 in each of the following in the Canicross Race: Male / Female / Non-binary / Junior / Masters categories
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!

Class Requirements

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

🐕 Dog-Friendly 5K Rules

Open participation: to all runners and walkers — with or without dogs
Leash requirement: 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 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

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

🙋 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, 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

🚑 Medical & Safety

A medic will be on-site for human injuries. We aim to have a vet tech 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: Vet clinics nearby include Petfolk Veterinary Urgent Care and Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital (both in Holly Springs)