Yes! Each IronPooch event features at least two race courses; A longer trail race (usually 4-6 miles) for more experienced runners w/ athletic breed dogs, and a shorter course (usually 1-3 miles) for beginners or those with younger, older, or less athletic dogs. This short course is designed to be approachable for participants of all ages and abilities. Most participants who walk the course slowly can finish in about an hour, the average time is about 35 minutes. Both courses feature obstacles for you and your dog. These obstacles are challenging enough to be fun but easy enough that most can complete. And for those who are concerned, all obstacles feature a detour which allows you to go around it if desired.

Great question - IronPooch participants span a wide range of athletic chops, from first timers who are out for a fun hike with their dog all the way up to competitive trail racers and canicross teams who are in it to win it. Our top finishers may run this course in 45 minutes, a beginner who hikes it may take 3 hours, and the average participant (some running experience, w/ moderately athletic dog) usually finishes the long course in about 90 minutes.

All participants should consult with their vet to make sure that their dog is old enough, healthy enough, and athletic enough for the desired race course. Let them know what your anticipated time-on-course is and give them details (or photos!) of the obstacles from our website or social media. Ask the vet what to look out for as far as signs of distress, ask how much water your dog should expect to intake, and whether or not they should require an insulated coat, booties for their paws, or any other special equipment. Importantly, attending dogs need to have zero history of aggression towards humans or towards other dogs. And you should not bring your dog if it was recently infected by or exposed to any disease, illness, etc.

Yes! Medical officers for both humans and dogs will be contracted to monitor the courses either by the venue or by IronPooch. Medical staff will have the ultimate authority on whether a person and/or dog is OK to race or to continue a race. We consult with local vet clinics before each race to determine best practices with regards to weather, terrain, and any local disease outbreaks which may be a threat to large gatherings of dogs. Many of these vets sponsor our events and will host a tent in the race village with vet techs on site to answer any questions or to address concerns about a dog's health.

People: You should wear athletic clothing and shoes which you don't mind getting dirty. Shoes should offer support for off-road trails and dirt tracks. In colder weather, consider jackets or layers. You should carry a water bottle, or collapsible race cup for waste-free drinking at our half-way station (cupless race).Dogs: *Every IronPooch participant is responsible for their own dog's safety and we strongly suggest that you consult with and defer to your vet or trainer's advice!* Professionnals recommend that dogs wear athletic harnesses while running. Canicross harnesses are welcomed and encouraged. 

No! Bring the family and friends, our base area and race village are free to access and designed with the family in mind. Expect live music, food & beverages, lots of vendor goodies, and of course lots and lots of happy dogs. We do ask that all attendees review our policies and sign a waiver before entering the race village - these can be found on our website or signed onsite upon arrival.

This is a tricky one, and the answer is 'it depends'. Some venues have enough availability that we can reserve a rain date (usually the day after the scheduled date). Others do not. Some have strict weather safety protocols, and some leave it up to us (thunder, temp parameters, etc.). So our policies change with each event and you should be sure to check out the fine print on the specific event page that you sign up for. This can usually be found on our website (see subpage links to 'Races') and can always be found on the RunSignUp link for each race.