Upgrades and Additions to Race Classes in 2027
Race Class Changes and Adjustments to come in 2027
Kearney Dog Sled Races has been in operation for over 3 decades. We have experienced many spectrums of racing and evolved with the changing needs of the racing community. Over the past few years we changed significantly due numerous factors, including the pandemic and an almost entirely new race committee in 2023. Some of those changes including completely moving venues and altering our race trails, adding in a 2 Dog Sled category, and re-introducing the 8 Dog race.
In 2027 we are tweaking some of our race categories in response to growing feedback and requests for improvements. We made every effort as a race committee to listen and evolve when we can. Here we will explain what mushers can expect to see in February 2027.
SKIJORING CHANGES:
The race committee is committed to supporting the Skijoring category and want to ensure fairness and consistency in competition. We have noted significant declines in registrations for 2 Dog Skijor through the years, but significant growth in 1 Dog Skijor. Additionally, many participants are opting to run in both the 1 and 2 dog Skijor but only run 1 dog in both. Having two separate categories takes more daylight from our schedule and creates what we believe to be an inequitable scenario for competitors. Therefore, we are opting to offer ONLY a 1 Dog Skijoring category moving forward.
1 Dog Skijor will run a 4 Mile course that is unchanged from recent years.
Because there will only be one change to race on skis we want to do it right. We understand that racing on skis is a very different sport than on a dog sled. We are investing a great amount of time and resources to source out new grooming equipment to improve trail conditions for skiers. We hope to have new groomers in place this winter.
2 DOG SLED CHANGES:
The 2 Dog Sled category was originally introduced by the race committee for the purpose of inclusivity and growth in the sport. We want people interested in sled dog sports to be able to participate. For individuals with only one or two dogs, historically they either had to learn to ski or stick to dryland mono-sports. This category allows people who don’t have the capacity to care for a large kennel to come and participate in the race. Perhaps it will inspire people to grow their furry family and race larger classes one day, but if not that’s ok too!
Over the past few years this race class has grown to be one of our largest categories, attracting a wide spectrum of racers. We have fun-run folks and their recreational running dogs racing side by side with professional mushers who have trained and raced with us for decades. It is an awesome sight to see.
In order to help ensure everyone is getting the race experience they prefer, we have made some adjustments
The 2 Dog Sled course will run on the main race trail in 2027, eliminating any head on passing. Mushers will head down Patton Road into the winding wooded section of trail along the 4 Dog Sled course. Once they enter “the pit” – a more open, rolling hills section of trail – the trail will utilize a bypass that cuts straight across the main course towards the finish line. The entire trail will be 2.5 miles, similar to other years.
The course will still be divided into Open Pro, RNB Pro, and Sportsman. Rules on racing sleds and modified kicksleds are unchanged. Mushers can review the race rules and registration information here.
NEW IN 2027 – JUNIOR DOG DASH
After receiving feedback from our younger mushers, we are introducing a Junior 2-Dog class that helps our youth build confidence and competency to transition from I-Kid-Arod into the pro divisions. The class is open to Juniors between the ages of 13-18 with parental approval. Mushers aged 12 and under are subject to additional specific approval by our Race Marshal but may be permitted.
Junior Mushers may race either a sled OR on skis. This class will run 2.5 miles in what we call “the pit” – the section of our race trails that are open and visible to our volunteers. There are hilled and flat sections to traverse, but racers are almost always in full view of our volunteer team. The course starts at the race finish line and runs backwards for approximately 100 meters until it turns towards the main trails. Mushers will finish in the same location, creating a short distance of head-on passing. This area is barricaded with a berm of snow and burlap fencing.
It is incredibly important to us to provide a safe trail with less complexity for our younger mushers. The trail is still fast and fun, and we know they will love it. We also love that we can offer an opportunity for younger skiers to practice racing before they enter the pro division.
Mushers on a sled must have 2 dogs. Mushers on skis may run 1 dog.
Please reach out to the race committee for any questions about registration for any category. Race registration opens in November for all race categories.
Happy trails!