HHH Spring Rust Buster 2026

Halifax Harness Hounds invites you to join us at the annual Spring Rust Buster canicross race and sprint our way through the beautiful Oakfield park!Where: Oakfield Provincial ParkWhen: Saturday, April 4th, 2025The following Regional Circuit race classes are being offered:
1 Dog Canicross Standard (3KM)
1 Dog Canicross Sprint (1KM)3km Race route:This route is varied cross country trail. You'll cover single track, dirt road and wooded trail in a loop with lots of room for safe passing without meeting any teams head on. The trail is very obvious, though the race course will be well marked.1km Race Route:This route utilizes trails through wooded trails. With mixed terrain including crusher dust, part dirt road and wooded wilderness trail.Notice to Participants: Click hereRegistration:
*In advance only
*NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION*
**Deadline to register is Wednesday, April 1st at 11:59pm.***No Refunds will be issued past the deadline. If the race is post-poned due to unforeseen circumstances (ex. weather, poor trail conditions), your fees will be applied to the next HHH event using an individualized promocode. Schedule (subject to change)8:00am: Participant check-in/handing-over of bibs/ equipment checks9:00am: 3km Canicross Start10:00am: 1km Canicross StartAll participants are to be on site by 8:30am for registration and equipment checks.Required Equipment:Dogs: All dogs MUST be in a harness designed for running and pulling. Dogs must be 12 months of age for events 5km or longer. Dogs must be 10 months of age to compete in events up to a distance of 2km.Canicross: A canicross belt & bungee line is strongly recommended though any hands-free running leash will be acceptable. The distance from the competitor's abdomen to the base of the tail of the dog must be at most 2 meters, when tight without elongation. However, the recommended distance is 1.70 meters. As this race is a MAHDS sanctioned event, this competition will utilize the MAHDS race rules.Rules:Because harness dog sports involve more than human athletes, our rules for participants incorporate more than the expected rules to ensure fair competition. These rules also address factors that can impact the health and safety of our canine and human teammates - things like the age of the dog for competition, sport-specific gear requirements for humans and dogs, trail rules (such as passing), and good sportsmanship.All participants must review and adhere to the following documents prior to race day:MAHDS Rules for ParticipantsMAHDS Code of ConductBoth of these documents can be found on the MAHDS website HERE