Musher’s Info for Kearney 2025

We are less than one month away from the 31st year of racing in Kearney! We are Ontario’s largest sled dog race and with that comes lots of excitement and challenges. We want to make sure that everyone has all the information they could need to ensure your racing experience is positive.

Before you read the details, a reminder that we are having our first ever attempt at a DOG FOOD DRIVE to support our local food banks. All unopened canned and bagged pet foods are appreciated. We would also accept non-perishable human foods! A drop off location will be set up at the race site. Times are hard for loads of families out there and we want to give back to this beautiful community that has supported our race for over 30 years. EVERY DONATION COUNTS!

Easy links:

RACE SCHEDULE (Subject to change as needed)

SATURDAY February 8th, 2025

7:45 am – Private Mandatory Mushers Meeting
8:30 am – Opening Ceremonies/ Bib Draw
9:30 am – 8 dog sled
10:45 am – 6 dog sled
12:00 pm – I-Kid-Arod – Lunch (Groom)
12:30 pm – 2 dog ski
1:30 pm- 4 dog sled (Groom)
3:30 pm – 1 dog ski
4:15 pm – 2 dog sled
5:30pm – Pints and Prizes! – MR Jutzi Musher’s Prize Draw at the Legion

SUNDAY February 9th, 2025

(Times to be determined based on day 1 race times)

8:00 am – Private Mandatory Mushers Meeting
TBD – 8 dog sled
TBD – 6 dog sled
TBD – I-Kid-arod – Lunch (Groom)
TBD – 2 dog ski
TBD – 4 dog sled (Groom)
TBD – 1 dog ski
TBD – 2 dog sled
4:30pm – Musher’s Banquet Meal service begins at the Kearney Community Center
5:30pm – Awards Presentations

Dog Yard Parking and Information

THERE IS NO ON-SITE WATER – HAUL YOUR DOG WATER IN TO THE RACE SITE
There is a public water access at the Kearney Community Center which you pass on your way into Kearney. Fill up there if you forget your water.
Camping is allowed. Understand you will have no access to facilities and basic amenities while the race is not running.
Your spot on day 1 is your spot on day 2 – NO EXCEPTIONS. This is for health/safety of all dog teams.
If you choose to “pre-save” a spot on Friday night, be prepared to be asked to move if your spot is infringing on the flow of parking for everyone else.
All large vehicles with trailers are to park in the LARGE lot beside of the Legion.
All single vehicles (truck with no trailer, van, car, etc.) Please park at the secondary parking lot next to the baseball diamond. We understand that parking can be hectic at the race.
We must be kind and mindful of each other. If a race volunteer asks you to move your vehicle to accommodate mushers around you, please follow their directions.
There is a waste bin inside of the LARGE dog yard for dog excrement, used straw, etc.
NO dogs inside of the baseball diamond at any time.

Musher Conduct

If ANY Musher, handler, or spectator attending the race in association with a racer is found to be abusing (verbally, physically, emotionally, etc.) any of our volunteers – including race officials, committee leads, trail help, or individuals acting in any official capacity supporting our event – you will be asked to leave the race. If you are asked to leave, you will not be welcome to register in the event in the future.
Full participant conduct rules can be found here.
Town of Kearney Bylaws/ Integrity Commissioner.

Fun Activities

While you are not racing we have LOTS of cool things to do:

Silent auction inside of the Legion
Souvenirs table with KDSR merch
Free colouring contest for kids
Free kids’ scavenger hunt. Collect all 8 stamp colours and get a free hot chocolate inside of the legion!
Pet-a-Pup Pitstop
Dog sled rides provided by Abitibi Sled Dogs. $25 per adult, $20 per child
Vendors located outside of the Legion with lots of pet products, furs, gifts, and more.

Spectators

KDSR has thousands of families and spectators who visit our event this year. We are a community friendly event with lots of activities, vendors, dog sled rides, food, and drink. Be prepared to see lots of people and have lots of people asking you if they can see your dog teams up close.
STOP SIGN SYSTEM: All mushers will be given a “stop sign” which is RED or GREEN to place visibly on their dog trucks/vehicles.
RED = No petting please. GREEN = Petting and interactions allowed with permission.
There is large signage in the dog yard for spectators explaining the stop sign system so that they are aware of which mushers welcome interaction, and which teams need more privacy.
If you have any concerns about spectators, protestors, or suspicious activity around your dog truck kindly ask them to move out of your space. For additional support, seek out a race volunteer immediately.

Pet-a-Pup Pitstop

KDSR hosts Pet-a-Pup Pitstop where we ask mushers to sign up for 30 minute or 1hr intervals to specifically sit with their dogs for kids to pet them! This gives the public opportunity to ask questions in a more relaxed setting. We love to encourage people to learn more about sled dog sports. If you would like to participate, please email us and confirm you are listed in a time slot.

I-Kid-Arod

Race rules found here.
Children participating in I-Kid-Arod MUST be able to affectively use the break on their sled. The race marshal will ask all children to demonstrate that they can put their foot down on their break while standing on the sled before their run. If they cannot safely use their break, you may be asked not to participate for safety reasons.

Musher’s Banquet and Awards

SATURDAY: Saturday Night at the Legion at 5:00pm for a FREE prize draw sponsored by M.R. Jutzi Auctions. All mushers and handlers receive one ticket for the draw. There are dozens of prizes including camping and sledding gear, hunting knives, bikes, chain saws, etc.
SUNDAY: Final awards banquet will begin between 4:-4:30pm at the Kearney Community Center. The banquet is FREE for mushers! Every entry receives one meal ticket. A nominal fee is charged for extra meals for handlers. Awards are presented after meal service.
We have several special awards. Mushers may nominate peers. Our veterinarians choose the winner of the Dog Care Excellence award. Special awards are as follows:
- Dog Care Excellence Award
- Sportsmanship Award
- Volunteer Award
- Mentorship Award
- Best Wipe-Out Award

CONTACT

For any questions or concerns we can be reached at info@kearneydogsledraces.ca