Kearney Dog Sled Race Routes

Greg Alexanian Memorial 2 Dog Sled Class

The Kearney Sled Dog Race Committee is excited to offer a sledding option for small kennels and recreational mushers. Racers of novice or competitive backgrounds are all welcome to participate. The race is incorporated into a smaller loop off of the 4 Dog Sprint class and run for approximately 2.5 miles. Here is an easy info-graph to demonstrate what equipment is permitted in the 2 dog class.

This race is divided between Open Pro, Open RNB, and Sportsman (open to racers 13-17 with parental consent). Per IFSS rules, anyone running in the Open Pro or RNB Pro race class MUST race with a sprint sled that is equipped with a break, sled bag, drag mat, and snow hook. There are NO kicksleds allowed in the Pro divisions. The Sportsman division may include kicksleds that meet the safety requirements indicated in the race rules.

REQUIREMENTS FOR OPEN/RNB PRO:

This class follows SP2 IFSS race rules.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SPORTSMAN CLASS:

1. 2 DOGS must run both days.
2. A sled shall be equipped with an adequate brake, a brush bow, one snow hook.
   • Adequate brake means a brake that is capable of stopping a team.
   • Wooden claw brake is acceptable
   • Dog bags are not required.
   • Rubber braking pads is not required.
   • Brush Bow required
   • Snow hook is required.
3. A locking carabiner between gangline and sled harness. ( locked )
4. A neckline shall be used in two-dog classes. (exception: two dogs running in single file.
5. All harnesses shall be well fitting and at least be padded around the neck and chest area.
6. · Chain lines are strictly prohibited.
7. A sled shall be capable of adequately carrying the driver, and in case of emergency a passenger, and have a basket with a hard bottom, having a minimum surface of 40 cm x 50 cm (16 in x 20 in), capable of safely carrying a dog.

4 Dog Sprint & Ski-joring Races

Similar to the start of the 6 Dog Sprint, the 4 Dog Sprint Race and Ski-joring Race also start on our main staging area and will run through the forested area around the Kearney community. There is a loop eliminated from the trail to shorten the mileage to 4.2 miles.

6 Dog Sprint Race

The 6 Dog Sprint Race starts just outside of the Kearney Legion and after turning down Patton Road, mushers will complete an extra loop through downtown Kearney. This section of the trail has typically been where Mushers start finish the race in past courses, so the area may seem familiar to many returning racers. There is no 'loop" as in prior races - the course is continual with no head on passing. The course runs through the forest with many hills, both up and down. This is a very scenic and challenging route, so we ensure there are sufficient volunteers to maintain safety for the mushers and their teams at all crucial junctions (i.e., snowmobile trail or road crossings). (more)

8 Dog Sled Sprint Race

This challenging course will run through the 6 dog sprint racing trails and an additional 3.5 mile jaunt through the Almaguin Highlands. There will be twists and turns, and ups and downs. There is also some sections of head on passing which will be heavily monitored.

I-Kid-Arod

Always fun for those who participate, both for the kids and the mutts.  This fun race always gets great response from the crowd as they cheer on the participants to try their best and cross the finish line.  It is always a crowd pleaser and a great time for a photo-op!