Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k
- Date Sat 6th December 2025 - Sat 20th December 2025
- Time 9:00AM EST
- Location Holly Springs, North Carolina
- Price $43.40 - $54.00
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at the 2025 Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog-Friendly 5K, taking place on Saturday, December 6, in the beautiful trails of Holly Springs, North Carolina! This uplifting event invites both competitive runners and casual walkers to join in on the fun, whether you have a furry companion or prefer to run solo. Participants can choose between the exhilarating Canicross Race, a dog-powered trail running experience, or the inclusive Dog-Friendly 5K, perfect for all skill levels.
With a course that spans 5K over varied terrain, including gravel, grass, and hills, you'll enjoy the great outdoors while supporting a fantastic cause. All proceeds from the race will benefit Saving Grace NC, a dedicated dog rescue organization. Runners will receive a finisher medal, a goodie bag filled with treats for both humans and pups, and the chance to win awards in multiple categories. So mark your calendars for this exciting event and prepare for a day filled with community spirit, active fun, and the joy of our four-legged friends!
With a course that spans 5K over varied terrain, including gravel, grass, and hills, you'll enjoy the great outdoors while supporting a fantastic cause. All proceeds from the race will benefit Saving Grace NC, a dedicated dog rescue organization. Runners will receive a finisher medal, a goodie bag filled with treats for both humans and pups, and the chance to win awards in multiple categories. So mark your calendars for this exciting event and prepare for a day filled with community spirit, active fun, and the joy of our four-legged friends!
Organiser's Description
Welcome to the 2025 Mushing Mutts Canicross Race & Dog-Friendly 5K!
Join us on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Holly Springs, NC for an unforgettable day of trail running, dog-powered fun, and community connection now in its 2nd year, hosted by North Carolina Urban Mushing!
Event Options:
Canicross Race A competitive, dog-powered trail run
Dog-Friendly 5K Open to runners and walkers with or without dogs
Virtual 5K Run from anywhere, get awesome swag, and support a great cause!
Why We Run
Were proud to partner with Saving Grace NC, a Wake Forest-based dog rescue. All race profits and donations will go directly toward helping them save more lives.
What's Included:
* Finisher medal
* Goodie bag with treats for you and your pup
* Awards for top 3 in each of the following in the Canicross Race: Male / Female / Non-binary / Junior / Masters categories
What is Canicross?
Canicross is dog-powered trail running: both human and dog wear harnesses connected by a bungee line and the dog is encouraged to pull you. Its an exciting, teamwork-driven way to enjoy the trails!
Canicross Class Requirements:
* Non-restrictive harness for your dog
* Hands-free waist belt for the runner
* Bungee line connecting dog to runner
* Dogs must run ahead or alongside, not behind the runner
Dog-Friendly 5K Rules:
* Open to all runners and walkers with or without dogs
* Dogs must be leashed (no retractables or leashes over 6 ft)
* No head collars (e.g., Halti or Gentle Leaders) while running
Kids & Families:
We encourage Junior Participation, but request Children under 15 run with a registered adult
Course Info:
Distance: 5K
Terrain: Gravel, grass, dirt, roots, and hills
Trail Type: Mostly doubletrack with one singletrack uphill section
Water/aid station located halfway through the course
Race Day Schedule:
All races are chip-timed with rolling starts to reduce crowding.
Friday, December 5
Packet Pickup: 230 PM at Bull City Running Co. (South Durham)
Saturday, December 6 Race Day
7:00 AM Parking opens
8:00 AM On-site packet pickup
8:45 AM Canicross race briefing
9:00 AM Canicross race start
9:45 AM Dog-friendly 5K briefing
10:00 AM Dog-friendly 5K run/walk start
10:45-11 AM Awards begin
12:00 PM Vendor Market Closes
Photography:
A professional photographer will be on course. Photos will be available for purchase post-race.
Dog Policy (Very Important!):
* NO GREET policy No dog-to-dog greeting, and please ask the dog's handler before any dog-to-human greetings
* Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times on the grounds unless you are in the designated dog park
* NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES or leashes longer than 6ft
* Muzzles allowed if they permit full panting
* You are responsible for your dogs behavior at all times
Volunteer With Us:
We need help before, during, and after the race. Volunteers receive a free race shirt. Let us know youre interested when registering or use this link: Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k Volunteer Registration [https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NC/HollySprings/MushingMuttsCanicrossDogFriendly5k]
Vendor Market & Sponsors:
Stick around after the race to browse our on-site holiday vendor market, featuring businesses that support dog-friendly sports and outdoor fun!
Interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor?
Sponsor deadline: November 15, 2025
Vendor deadline: December 1, 2025
Sponsor Signup Link [https://forms.gle/jN8NHVyRH1CEVLYi6]& Sponsor Packet Link [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WehvObazbzNeBFDOQWZ92IskObI9VuSA/view?usp=sharing]
Weather Plan:
The race will proceed rain or shine, unless extreme weather occurs
In that case:
We may delay the start time. If it would be unsafe even with a delay well switch to a virtual format
Medical & Safety:
A medic will be on-site for human injuries
We will have a veterinarian on-site for minor dog emergencies
Runners may carry phones; all staff will have phones
In an emergency:
Human: Use phone to call 911 or notify race staff
Canine: Nearby Emergency vet clinics include our sponsor: Peak Paws Advanced Veterinary Hospital
Race Briefings:
Safety briefings will be given before each event. Well cover:
Course layout
Known hazards
Emergency procedures
Race rules (passing/ect)
Join us on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Holly Springs, NC for an unforgettable day of trail running, dog-powered fun, and community connection now in its 2nd year, hosted by North Carolina Urban Mushing!
Event Options:
Canicross Race A competitive, dog-powered trail run
Dog-Friendly 5K Open to runners and walkers with or without dogs
Virtual 5K Run from anywhere, get awesome swag, and support a great cause!
Why We Run
Were proud to partner with Saving Grace NC, a Wake Forest-based dog rescue. All race profits and donations will go directly toward helping them save more lives.
What's Included:
* Finisher medal
* Goodie bag with treats for you and your pup
* Awards for top 3 in each of the following in the Canicross Race: Male / Female / Non-binary / Junior / Masters categories
What is Canicross?
Canicross is dog-powered trail running: both human and dog wear harnesses connected by a bungee line and the dog is encouraged to pull you. Its an exciting, teamwork-driven way to enjoy the trails!
Canicross Class Requirements:
* Non-restrictive harness for your dog
* Hands-free waist belt for the runner
* Bungee line connecting dog to runner
* Dogs must run ahead or alongside, not behind the runner
Dog-Friendly 5K Rules:
* Open to all runners and walkers with or without dogs
* Dogs must be leashed (no retractables or leashes over 6 ft)
* No head collars (e.g., Halti or Gentle Leaders) while running
Kids & Families:
We encourage Junior Participation, but request Children under 15 run with a registered adult
Course Info:
Distance: 5K
Terrain: Gravel, grass, dirt, roots, and hills
Trail Type: Mostly doubletrack with one singletrack uphill section
Water/aid station located halfway through the course
Race Day Schedule:
All races are chip-timed with rolling starts to reduce crowding.
Friday, December 5
Packet Pickup: 230 PM at Bull City Running Co. (South Durham)
Saturday, December 6 Race Day
7:00 AM Parking opens
8:00 AM On-site packet pickup
8:45 AM Canicross race briefing
9:00 AM Canicross race start
9:45 AM Dog-friendly 5K briefing
10:00 AM Dog-friendly 5K run/walk start
10:45-11 AM Awards begin
12:00 PM Vendor Market Closes
Photography:
A professional photographer will be on course. Photos will be available for purchase post-race.
Dog Policy (Very Important!):
* NO GREET policy No dog-to-dog greeting, and please ask the dog's handler before any dog-to-human greetings
* Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times on the grounds unless you are in the designated dog park
* NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES or leashes longer than 6ft
* Muzzles allowed if they permit full panting
* You are responsible for your dogs behavior at all times
Volunteer With Us:
We need help before, during, and after the race. Volunteers receive a free race shirt. Let us know youre interested when registering or use this link: Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k Volunteer Registration [https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NC/HollySprings/MushingMuttsCanicrossDogFriendly5k]
Vendor Market & Sponsors:
Stick around after the race to browse our on-site holiday vendor market, featuring businesses that support dog-friendly sports and outdoor fun!
Interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor?
Sponsor deadline: November 15, 2025
Vendor deadline: December 1, 2025
Sponsor Signup Link [https://forms.gle/jN8NHVyRH1CEVLYi6]& Sponsor Packet Link [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WehvObazbzNeBFDOQWZ92IskObI9VuSA/view?usp=sharing]
Weather Plan:
The race will proceed rain or shine, unless extreme weather occurs
In that case:
We may delay the start time. If it would be unsafe even with a delay well switch to a virtual format
Medical & Safety:
A medic will be on-site for human injuries
We will have a veterinarian on-site for minor dog emergencies
Runners may carry phones; all staff will have phones
In an emergency:
Human: Use phone to call 911 or notify race staff
Canine: Nearby Emergency vet clinics include our sponsor: Peak Paws Advanced Veterinary Hospital
Race Briefings:
Safety briefings will be given before each event. Well cover:
Course layout
Known hazards
Emergency procedures
Race rules (passing/ect)
Races
-
Canicross 5k Race
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 6th December 2025 (9:00AM EST)
$54.00
CLOSEDCanicross is Dog Powered Trail Running. Requirements for this event: 1: Appropriate Gear: Non-restrictive (Y-front) dog harness, bungee line, hands free human belt 2: Dog should be running in front of the human runner and should never be behind the human runner. -
Dog Friendly 5k Run/Walk
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 6th December 2025 (10:00AM EST)
$54.00
CLOSEDRun or walk the 5k (with or without a dog) Requirements: NO Flexi-leashes, or haltis (head halters). -
Virtual 5k
Incl. $3.40 Fee & T-Shirt
$43.40
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2401 Grigsby Ave, Holly Springs, 27540, NC, United States
Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k
