Event Description
North American Canicross presents RACE AROUND RED TOP! Come join us March 5th for our first in-person canicross 5k race! New to canicross or have a pup in training? There will also be a 5k Dog Friendly Trail race following the competitive canicross run.
Each runner will receive a logo race T-shirt and finisher challenge coin! *Note: T-Shirt/Size is not guaranteed if you register after February 20th. Long Sleeve Race Logo shirts will be available for additional purchase.
All dogs running in canicross are required to wear designated canicross gear. Harnesses that have “Y” chest bands and do not restrict the dogs movement, bungee lead 4' - 6’ ft attached to a hands free waist belt must be worn for those running in the canicross class. Only one dog can be run at a time.
Dog Friendly 5k requirements will be less restrictive however face leads, flexi leashes and no-pull harnesses will not be allowed. Limit 2 Dogs at time.
Registered children under 15 will need to run with a registered adult.
No transfers, refunds or deferments allowed.
Although this is a dog event, we have a “NO GREET” POLICY. Dogs must be kept on a leash and under owner/handler’s control at all times both in the parking lot and event area. Dogs should NOT interact with other dogs or humans while attending our event. Reactive dogs will be directed to a special parking area to minimize their stress and contact with others. MUZZLES are allowed and can be worn on course as long as the dog has ample room for panting. Please email nacanicross@gmail.com if you have a reactive dog and are planning to attend so we can best prepare for you and your dog.
CAMPING is available at RED TOP MOUNTAIN STATE PARK. Reservations can be made here: https://gastateparks.org/RedTopMountain
RACE DAY SCHEDULE: Both Races will be chipped timed and have a rolling start based on event size. Canicross will have 2 dog start lines in 10 second intervals. We will be breaking up people into groups based on estimated finish times so as to pace our runners and prevent competitor congestion.
PACKET PICKUP WILL BEGIN ON- SITE AT 7:30AM ALONG WITH RACE DAY REGISTRATION
8:30 Am Canicross 5k Start
9:30 Am Dog Friendly 5k
There will be one water / aid station at mile 1.5 (halfway point on the course.)
Photos will be available and taken by UNBRIDLED IMAGERY
AWARDS & PRIZES
- Top 3 Canicross women
- Top 3 Canicross men
- Top 3 Dog Friendly women
- Top 3 Dog Friendly men
Parking Fees/Park Pass:
There is a $5.00 parking fee per vehicle in Georgia State Parks. This fee is NOT INCLUDED in your registration fee. There are Self Pay Boxes throughout the park. Georgia Annual State Park passes may be purchased at the park headquarters.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! If you are able to help during race day it would be much appreciated! We will need help in both set up and break down and during both races. If you would like to run and participate we will be able to accommodate and are offering our volunteers a discount in registration for participating.
EVENT AREA : Stick around for some of our vendors and dog related sponsors! If you are a business and are interested in vending or sponsoring our event, please fill out or vendor/sponsor form and submit no later than the February 15th.
SPONSORS: North American Canicross is excited to feature vendors and sponsors that support canicross and dog related activities. If you are interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor at our event please fill out our form on our site here and submit your donation and logo no later than February 15th 2023.
Weather Contingency Plan : The race committee feels that aside from a particularly extreme weather event the race should be able to proceed as planned. However, in the event that conditions prevent the race from proceeding as planned, the first alternative will be to delay the start of the race until the weather event has cleared the area. The second alternative option is to convert the race to virtual if there is no way to continue as planned.
Medical response plan: In planning the event, the Race Directors have considered a full spectrum of incidents and injuries that may occur. The nature of dog friendly and canicross racing requires competitors to be cognizant of their own and their dog’s needs. Additionally, it requires emergency response planning which addresses both human and canine potential issues. Competitors will be allowed to carry their own cellular devices on course to call for help if race personnel is not within sight. Additionally, all race personnel will be required to carry a cellular device at all times while on race grounds.
Safety Briefings: Competitor Briefing: Participants will be briefed prior to the race start. Race brief will include course details, known hazards, race rules, and emergency procedures. In the event of a minor injury to a human competitor, participants are to locate an aid station volunteer to seek access to first-aid care. In the event of a significant injury to a human competitor, participants are to use their phone to contact 911 or reach out to the nearest course official or aid-station volunteer. In the event of an injury to a canine competitor, participants are to work with the vet volunteer on-site to determine appropriate next steps. Volunteer Briefing: Volunteers will be briefed prior to the race. Race brief will include course details, known hazards, race rules, and emergency procedures. In the event of a minor injury to a human competitor, aid station volunteers will be able to offer access to first-aid care. In the event of a significant injury to a human competitor, volunteers will be advised to contact 911. Volunteers will also be advised to watch competitors as they pass aid stations to check for signs of potential medical issues. In the event of an injury to a canine competitor, volunteers will instruct competitors to work with the vet volunteer on-site to determine appropriate next steps.
