🐾 Lucy’s Canitrail at the Crooked Tree Trails 🐾
Hosted By
Moncton Dog Runners & the Maritime Association of Harness Dog Sports (MAHDS)
Date & Location
📅 Saturday, October 4, 2025
📍 Crooked Tree Trail, Sackville, NB
(Tantramar Outdoor Club Trailhead)
Event Description
Join the Moncton Dog Runners for the third edition of the Crooked Tree Canitrail, held this year in loving memory of Lucy — Valerie’s beloved girl who passed away just a few months ago.
To honour Lucy’s legacy, MDR will be making a donation to Justice Facility Dogs NB. Lucy was more than just a dog; she was Valerie’s emotional anchor and safely introduced so many people to harness dog sports. Everyone who knew her remembers her sweet soul, her signature squeaky bark, and how she made every moment feel like the best one yet.
When Valerie learned how Justice Facility Dogs NB supports others through their own difficult times, she knew it was the perfect way to give back. And what better place to do it than one of Lucy’s favourite trails. <3
Schedule of Events
(Subject to change based on temperatures)
8:00 AM – Registration
8:45 AM – Participant briefing (mandatory)
9:00 AM – Standard Canitrail Race (MAHDS Sanctioned)
10:00 AM – Awards
10:30 AM – Group Run & Hike
11:00 AM – Post-Run Social
Format
One sanctioned race distance (approx. 3.4 km).
A relaxed group run or hike afterwards (perfect for second dogs or social pace).
Post-run social to wrap up the morning.
What’s Canitrail?
Canitrail means more natural, technical terrain compared to canicross. Think roots, rocks, wooden bridges, streams, and climbs — all still safe for you and your dog. The Crooked Tree Trail is especially lovely: soft ground, moss-lined singletrack, and plenty of variety.
Regional Circuit
This event is part of the MAHDS Regional Circuit and counts toward year-end standings in the Canitrail Series (2025–2026 season).
Registration Details
Registration is in advance only through RaceRoster.
Deadline: Wednesday, October 1 at midnight.
No race day registration.
Group Run & Hike
After the sanctioned race, we’ll organize small groups at different paces to explore the beautiful trails. It’s all about enjoying the scenery, relaxed atmosphere, and time outdoors with our dogs. No one is left behind.
If you’ve already registered for the sanctioned race, you can join the group run at no cost by using the code CANITRAIL2025 at checkout (trust system).
Post-Run Social
Stick around afterwards for a low-key social. MDR will provide a few snacks and drinks, but feel free to bring something for yourself - or to share!
Required Equipment
Dogs
Dogs must wear a harness designed for running/pulling.
Age requirement:
Because the distance is over 2.0km, all dogs must be at least 12 months of age on race day.
Humans
Canicross belt and bungee line strongly recommended (hands-free leash required).
Distance from handler’s waist to dog’s tail base: max 2 m when taut (1.7m recommended).
This race follows MAHDS official rules.
Rules
Harness dog sports involve both human and canine athletes. For safety and fairness, participants must follow MAHDS rules covering:
Age eligibility
Required gear
Trail etiquette (passing, yielding, etc.)
Good sportsmanship
All participants must review these documents before race day:
MAHDS Rules for Participants
MAHDS Code of Conduct
(Both available on the MAHDS website — link here)
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
Standard 1-dog Canitrail
Suitable for dogs 12 months and over / Convient aux chiens de 12 mois et plus
Group Run
After the sanctioned race, we’ll head back out in small groups at different paces to explore the beautiful Crooked Tree trails together. This part is all about enjoying the scenery, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere, and spending time outdoors with our dogs. No one gets left behind. If you’ve already registered for the sanctioned race, you can join the group run at no cost by using the code CANITRAIL2025 at checkout (trust system).
-
Register for Group Run$13.09
The trail is winding with many branch-offs, but will be very well marked.
The trails are fantastic. Although safe and gorgeous, expect roots, rocks, mud, ups and downs, twists and turns, and variable terrain of dirt, moss, pebbles, and small bridges. Don’t forget to take some deep breaths and enjoy the scenery. This is what Canitrail is all about!
We do recommend warming up on the course if you arrive early enough. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear for the race (trail running shoes).
The Standard Route (Approx 3.4km in length):
(Distance and course change this year)
You will start on the flowy Blue Rhodora singletrack (slight uphill grade), then merge onto the yellow Creekside East trail (slight downhill grade with roots), connect to the yellow Creekside West trail (slight uphill grade & mostly flowy), cross the Crooked Tree XC doubletrack and take the new red Mossy Meander on your left (slight uphill grade, mostly flowy with some roots and one downhill that will be marked), then turn right on the way out of the singletrack onto the Crooked Tree XC doubletrack all the way down to the finish line (perfect to finish at a faster pace if you want).
Map of the Race Route:
Event schedule
- Sat, October 4, 2025 8:00 a.m. - Participant Check-in
- Sat, October 4, 2025 8:45 a.m. - Participant Briefing (mandatory)
- Sat, October 4, 2025 9:00 a.m. - Standard Race Start
- Sat, October 4, 2025 10:00 a.m. - Awards
- Sat, October 4, 2025 10:30 a.m. - Group Run
- Sat, October 4, 2025 11:00 a.m. - Post-Race Social
Contact information
- Event contact
- Moncton Dog Runners Club
- Website
- Visit website
