Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k

Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k Race Information

<p>&#x1f43e; Welcome to the 2025 Mushing Mutts Canicross Race &amp; Dog-Friendly 5K!<br />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!</p> <p>&#x1f3c3; Event Options:<br />Canicross Race – A competitive, dog-powered trail run <br />Dog-Friendly 5K – Open to runners and walkers with or without dogs<br />Virtual 5K – Run from anywhere, get awesome swag, and support a great cause!</p> <p><br />&#x1f499; Why We Run<br />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.</p> <p> <br />&#x1f381; What&#39;s Included:</p> <ul><li>Finisher medal</li><li>Goodie bag with treats for you and your pup</li><li>Awards for top 3 in each of the following in the Canicross Race: Male / Female / Non-binary / Junior / Masters categories</li><li>Race T-shirt: Available as an optional add-on (included for virtual participants)</li></ul> <p>&#x1f415; What is Canicross?<br />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!</p> <p>Canicross Class Requirements:</p> <ul><li>Non-restrictive harness for your dog</li><li>Hands-free waist belt for the runner</li><li>Bungee line connecting dog to runner</li><li>Dogs must run ahead or alongside, not behind the runner</li></ul> <p> <br />&#x1f43e; Dog-Friendly 5K Rules:</p> <ul><li>Open to all runners and walkers — with or without dogs</li><li>Dogs must be leashed (no retractables or leashes over 6 ft)</li><li>No head collars (e.g., Halti or Gentle Leaders) while running</li></ul> <p> <br />&#x1f467; Kids &amp; Families:<br />We encourage Junior Participation, but request Children under 15 run with a registered adult </p> <p> <br />&#x1f3de;️ Course Info:<br />Distance: 5K<br />Terrain: Gravel, grass, dirt, roots, and hills<br />Trail Type: Mostly doubletrack with one singletrack uphill section<br />Water/aid station located halfway through the course<br /> <br />&#x1f4c5; Race Day Schedule:<br />All races are chip-timed with rolling starts to reduce crowding.</p> <p>Friday, December 5<br />&#x1f4cd; Packet Pickup: 2:30–5:30 PM at Bull City Running Co. (South Durham)</p> <p>Saturday, December 6 – Race Day<br />&#x1f556; 7:00 AM – Parking opens<br />&#x1f557; 8:00 AM – On-site packet pickup<br />&#x1f563; 8:45 AM – Canicross race briefing<br />&#x1f558; 9:00 AM – Canicross race start<br />&#x1f564; 9:45 AM – Dog-friendly 5K briefing<br />&#x1f559; 10:00 AM – Dog-friendly 5K run/walk start</p> <p> <br />&#x1f4f8; Photography:<br />A professional photographer will be on course. Photos will be available for purchase post-race.</p> <p> <br />&#x1f436; Dog Policy (Very Important!):</p> <ul><li>NO GREET policy – No dog-to-dog greeting, and please ask the dog&#39;s handler before any dog-to-human greetings</li><li>Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times on the grounds unless you are in the designated dog park</li><li>NO FLEXI LEASHES or leashes longer than 6ft</li><li>Muzzles allowed if they permit full panting</li><li>You are responsible for your dog’s behavior at all times</li></ul> <p> <br />&#x1f64b; Volunteer With Us:<br />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: <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NC/HollySprings/MushingMuttsCanicrossDogFriendly5k" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k Volunteer Registration</a></p> <p> <br />&#x1f6cd;️ Vendor Market &amp; Sponsors:<br />Stick around after the race to browse our on-site holiday vendor market, featuring businesses that support dog-friendly sports and outdoor fun!</p> <p>Interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor?<br />&#x1f4c5; Sponsor deadline: November 15, 2025<br />&#x1f4c5; Vendor deadline: December 1, 2025<br />&#x1f4e9; <a href="https://forms.gle/jN8NHVyRH1CEVLYi6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Sponsor Signup Link  </a>&amp;  <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WehvObazbzNeBFDOQWZ92IskObI9VuSA/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Sponsor Packet Link</a></p> <p><br />&#x1f326;️ Weather Plan:<br />The race will proceed rain or shine, unless extreme weather occurs<br />In that case:</p> <p>We may delay the start<br />If unsafe, we’ll switch to a virtual format<br /> <br />&#x1f198; Medical &amp; Safety:<br />A medic will be on-site for human injuries<br />We aim to have a vet tech on-site for minor dog emergencies<br />Runners may carry phones; all staff will have phones</p> <p><br />In an emergency:</p> <p>Human: Use phone to call 911 or notify race staff<br />Canine: Vet clinics nearby include Petfolk Veterinary Urgent Care and Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital (both in Holly Springs)<br /> <br />&#x1f50a; Race Briefings:<br />Safety briefings will be given before each event. We’ll cover:</p> <p>Course layout<br />Known hazards<br />Emergency procedures<br />Race rules<br /> <br /><br /></p>