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 $38.10 - $43.40
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exciting day of canine camaraderie and trail running at the 2025 Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog-Friendly 5K! Join us on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in beautiful Holly Springs, NC, for a fantastic event that celebrates the bond between dogs and their humans. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll with your furry friend, there's something for everyone! Participants can choose between the competitive Canicross race—a thrilling dog-powered trail run—or the inclusive Dog-Friendly 5K, open to both runners and walkers, with or without dogs.
This year’s event not only promises a fun day of racing but also supports a great cause, with all profits benefiting Saving Grace NC, a local dog rescue. Expect exciting perks like finisher medals, goodie bags filled with treats for both you and your pup, and awards for the top three finishers in various categories. With a scenic course featuring gravel, grass, dirt, and hills, plus a vibrant vendor market to explore post-race, the Mushing Mutts Canicross Race is the perfect way to celebrate the season with your four-legged companion. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable day—
This year’s event not only promises a fun day of racing but also supports a great cause, with all profits benefiting Saving Grace NC, a local dog rescue. Expect exciting perks like finisher medals, goodie bags filled with treats for both you and your pup, and awards for the top three finishers in various categories. With a scenic course featuring gravel, grass, dirt, and hills, plus a vibrant vendor market to explore post-race, the Mushing Mutts Canicross Race is the perfect way to celebrate the season with your four-legged companion. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable day—
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
* Race T-shirt: Available as an optional add-on (included for virtual participants)
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
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 FLEXI 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
If unsafe, well switch to a virtual format
Medical & Safety:
A medic will be on-site for human injuries
We aim to have a vet tech 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: Vet clinics nearby include Petfolk Veterinary Urgent Care and Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital (both in Holly Springs)
Race Briefings:
Safety briefings will be given before each event. Well cover:
Course layout
Known hazards
Emergency procedures
Race rules
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
* Race T-shirt: Available as an optional add-on (included for virtual participants)
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
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 FLEXI 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
If unsafe, well switch to a virtual format
Medical & Safety:
A medic will be on-site for human injuries
We aim to have a vet tech 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: Vet clinics nearby include Petfolk Veterinary Urgent Care and Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital (both in Holly Springs)
Race Briefings:
Safety briefings will be given before each event. Well cover:
Course layout
Known hazards
Emergency procedures
Race rules
Races
-
Canicross 5k Race
Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 6th December 2025 (9:00AM EST)
$38.10
Canicross 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. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 6th December 2025 (10:00AM EST)
$38.10
Run 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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Mushing Mutts Canicross Race and Dog Friendly 5k
