The event will run over the King’s Birthday long weekend from June 6 to 8, with races planned to start as early as 7.15am, weather permitting.
Attendees are advised to show up before 6.15am, so the track can be clear and safe for the participants.
The early start will be supported with plenty of coffee and donuts.
Dogs are welcome, but they must remain on leashes at all times.
NVSDC secretary Constanze Haffki encouraged anyone interested to come along to the event, and said there would be “lots of dogs to pat”.
Ms Haffki has participated in the sport since 2021 as a way to keep herself and her two German short-haired pointers fit.
She said the sport was built on the bond between humans and dogs and that there was a supportive community around it.
“You meet so many nice people,” Ms Haffki said.
“You trust your dog and your dog trusts you.”
The classes include races where dogs pull mountain bikes, scooters or even specialised three- or four-wheeled rigs.
While there will be plenty of huskies and malamutes, there will also be eurohounds, greysters and gun dog breeds competing.
The open ‘canicross’ event, which involves cross-country running while attached to a dog, often sees breeds that wouldn’t normally be associated with this type of event.
“We even have a few people doing it with sausage dogs,” Ms Haffki said.
For more information, visit the Northern Victorian Sled Dog Club Facebook page.
