2025 Long Lake Lap Dog

BASIC INFO:

• Where: Long Lake Provincial Park in Halifax, NS (MAP LINK)
• When: Saturday, October 18th, 2025
• What: All racers will start in the first 3km race (a two up start system will be used). You can then choose to take on the challenge of doing a second 3 km loop once the first race is finished. You may choose to run a different dog for the second lap if you wish. Whether you use the same dog for both laps or a different dog for each, it will still count as one race.

REGIONAL CIRCUIT CLASSES: The two 3KM races will form part of the MAHDS Regional Circuit and results from these classes will count toward year-end canicross standings for the 2025-26 Dryland Season. NOTE: In order to be counted in the rankings, you must have a current MAHDS membership BEFORE the race.

DISCOVERY CLASS: We also offer a Discovery Class Run (1km out and back). This is a great option for younger or older dogs, juniors (please contact us for details on running with children under 12) or anyone that just wants to try canicross with a shorter distance option. The 1km race will take place between the two 3K races.

TEMPERATURE: Distances may be adjusted pursuant to new MAHDS Temperature Guidelines. See Guidelines here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/aD5BqRyCcheonQ8e/

PROCEEDS TO CHARITY: Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Disaster Animal Response Team of Nova Scotia (DART NS). You can find out more about their organization here: DART NS

THE ROUTE:

The course is approximately 3KM in length on crusher dust trails looping Withrod Lake in Long Lake Provincial Park.

REGISTRATION:

• In advance only (No race day registration available)
• **Deadline to register is Thursday, October 16 at 6pm.**

ORDER OF EVENTS:

1. Participant check-in
2. 3K Canicross #1
3. 1K Canicross
4. 3K Canicross #2

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:

Dogs: All dogs MUST be in a harness designed for running and pulling. Extremely small dogs may run in a properly fitted harness with a back attachment. Dogs must be a minimum of 12 months of age to compete in the 3K class. Dogs must be a minimum of 10 months of age to compete in the 1K class.

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 Participants
• MAHDS Code of Conduct

Both of these documents can be found on the MAHDS website HERE.