Kearney Dog Sled Races FAQ
The KDSR has been in operation since 1994. Ontario’s largest dog sled racing event comes to “Ontario’s biggest little town” every year. Kearney is a quaint community of 800 people, located just north of Huntsville, Ontario.
The Town of Kearney and the KDSR Advisory Committee works tirelessly for nearly 6 months of the year to plan this outstanding community event.
We hope to answer all of your biggest questions here! If you need to reach out for further information, email us any time at info@kearneydogsledraces.ca
FAQ for Spectators
When is the race?
- Our race typically takes place every year on the 2nd weekend in February. Races run between 9:00am - 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday.
Where is the race held?
- You can find our race grounds at the Royal Canadian Legion - 58 Park Road, Kearney, ON.
Where can I park?
There is spectator parking inside of the town baseball diamond. It is located just before the Legion building on Park Road. Musher Parking is distributed between the main lot to the right of the Legion and secondary parking at the ball diamond.
Is this a child-friendly event?
- Absolutely yes! We have many free children's activities such as Pet-a-Pup Pitstop, our annual colouring contest, and a race grounds scavenger hunt. We also have dog sled rides for a fee.
Can I bring my dog to watch?
- Kindly leave your pets at home. The race is an overwhelming place for a pet dog. Sled dogs are working dogs and highly trained to manage their energy and behaviour at the races.
What else is in the area?
Check out our Visitors page for info on accommodations, food, attractions, and more!
FAQ for Mushers
Is the Saturday morning musher's meeting mandatory?
- Yes.
What is the race class mileage?
- 8 Dog Sled (9 Mi)
- 6 Dog Sled (6 Mi)
- 2 Dog Skijor (4.2 Mi)
- 1 Dog Skijor (4.2 Mi)
- 4 Dog Sled (4.2 mi)
- 2 Dog Sled (2.5 mi)
- I-Kid-Arod (100m dash)
Are kicksleds allowed?
- Open Pro or RNB Pro category requires a proper racing sled. The sled must have a brake, snow hook, drag mat, dog bag, brush bow. There are no Kicksleds allowed in Pro. Sportsman class allows Kicksleds but it must have a brush bow on the front, a break, and snow hook for safety. The break must be a claw style break and not a drag mat.
Can my child enter a race?
- The 2 Dog Sled Sportsman Class is open for Junior Mushers between the ages of 14-18 with parental approval. Mushers under 14 are subject to additional specific approval by our Race Marshal but may be permitted.
- Children ages 5-12 may register in our I-Kid-Arod class.
Where do I park?
- Vehicles with trailers will be directed to park in the large parking lot beside the Legion.
- Vehicles with no trailers / skijor / 2 dog sled participants will be directed to park in secondary parking next to the baseball diamond. Please do NOT bring dogs inside of the baseball diamond.
Where do I get water for dogs?
- Unfortunately our race site has no water outdoors. Please haul in your water.
Where can I dump my waste?
- There is a large waste bin in the large musher's parking lot available to everyone thanks to generous sponsorship by Waste Connections Canada.
