DOGTOWN USA 2022 CANICROSS - DOG & JOG

DOGTOWN USA CANICROSS DOG & JOG

DOG & JOG!

This Memorial Day weekend, join forces with your dog to benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Oregon for the inaugural DOGTOWN USA CANICROSS DOG & JOG! Run or walk your own race at your own pace - all levels of experience are welcome! FREE admission for friends and family to enjoy the festivities including live live music, food and beverages, and dogs! Bring a blanket or chairs to relax after the races and enjoy the fun!

RUN - FOOD - MUSIC - FUN!  Participate in either a 5k or 1-mile race with your dog on the beautiful canicross trails of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. Afterwards, enjoy live music by G-Bots and the Journeymen and your blanket  chairs to relax on the grassy in front of the the band to watch the awards ceremony. Enjoy meeting other people of the dog and canicross community and check out the booths from local dog shelters, dog adoption centers, pet stores, and community sponsors. Food and beverage trucks will be offering healthy breakfast and lunch options and beer. Come to run, stay for fun, and most importantly, show your support for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon as we empower our children and strengthen our community. 

As canicross competitions and events grow in popularity worldwide, we welcome our local community of active people and dogs for the first annual canicross event of its kind on the West Coast. The DOG & JOG is presented by Alpine Outfitters Active Dog Gear, crafted with pride in Bend, and Oregon Trail of Dreams Sled Dog Tours at Mt. Bachelor, both local companies with 70 years of combined experience outfitting and training working and active dogs. The DOG & JOG is an opportunity for you and your dog to bond and be active while empowering and defending the potential of our youth.

What is canicross?

Canicross is canine cross country. Canicross at any level - walk, jog or run - as a competitive sport, as training for other dog powered sports, or as an activity for person and pup to exercise. The person wears a belt, the dog wears a harness and the two are attached with a bungee leash (leash in hand connected to collar is acceptable). The synergy of dog and person power is an incredible bonding activity for you and your dog and takes walking, jogging or running to another level.

Events:

The DOG & JOG welcomes runners, joggers, and walkers of all levels and dogs of all breeds to experience canicross. Events include the Canicross 5K, Canicross 1-Mile (Individuals or Couples), and Kids Canicross 400 meter. Non-canicross participants are welcome if you wish to walk, jog or run without a dog. Individual Runners may run up to, but no more than two dogs (please see Race Rules). Each event will have a staggered start with fastest entrants starting first followed by successive starts based on estimated completion times. Prizes will be awarded for best times and best costumes (costumes not required). Up to Two (2) dogs per runner allowed. 

Terrain:

DOG & JOG participants will enjoy the beautiful canicross trails of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, beginning in the grassy central hub, and winding through a high desert landscape, dirt and gravel trails with gentle grades and scenic mountain views.

Festivities, Food & Fun:

DOG & JOG attendees will receive a T-shirt, goody bag, and enjoy meeting other members of the dog and canicross community. Booths from local dog shelters, dog trainers, pet stores, athletic gear, food and beverage trucks, and music will enhance and complement the DOG & JOG festivities. If you would like your company or organization to participate with a booth or as a sponsor, please contact us via email (see Questions? button below) and let us know - your participation is welcome!

Canicross for Kids:

All proceeds from the DOG & JOG benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon. BBBSCO empowers and defends the potential of our youth and improves the futures of mentees by providing caring adult mentors to children of Central Oregon. BBBSCO strengthens our communities, and as a community, we have this fun and unique opportunity support their invaluable cause. Come experience an awesome day with your dog and Canicross for Kids! 

Rules: 

• Dogs must be in good health. Owners must watch for signs of dehydration for their dog and keep their dog hydrated (water stations will be provided).
• All dogs must be on a leash that is controlled by the dog's owner at all times.
• No more than two (2) dogs per Runner. Owner/Runner must be in full control of dogs at all times.
• Dogs must be on a 5-foot leash or shorter prior to the start of the event and no longer than a 8-foot leash during the event. No special gear is required to participate, although gear designed for canicross is available and highly recommended (i.e. canicross belt, dog harness, and bungee line). 
• Dog owners must clean up after their dogs. Poop bags and bins will be provided. It is not necessary to stop during a race to clean up after your dog, although you may if you have the time and it is safe to do so.
• Aggressive behavior by dogs is not allowed and must be controlled by the owner or else they will not be able to participate in the event and must leave the public area.
• Attempted biting by dogs is not tolerated and the dog will not be able to participate in the event and must leave the public area.
• The event sponsors are not responsible for the action of any dogs, specifically dog bites and attacks.
• Dogs are not allowed inside of enclosed buildings or shelters at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. Dogs must be in control by their owner at all times. Please put your dog in your ventilated car if you need to step away or go inside of a building.

This event will occur rain or shine!