Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k

🐾 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 3rd year, hosted by North Carolina Urban Mushing!

🏃 Event Options:
Canicross Race – A competitive, dog-powered trail run (1 dog in mushing harness connected by bungee leash to human in waist/hip belt)
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 in the
  • Canicross Race: Male / Female / Non-binary / Junior / Masters categories

T-Shirts will be available for Purchase on registration

🐕 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
📩 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 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)