Registration Information & Rules
T-Dog 50
March 23, 2024 (Start time: 9/10am)
Qualifications
This race is open only to non-motorized travelers. Options for participation are run/walk, ski, bike, skijor, bikejor and dog mush. There shall be only one human per team. All participants must be 12 years of age or older on the day of race start to participate.
Number of Dogs Per Team
All dog sport participants must start and finish with the same number of dogs. Mushing teams may have no more than 8 and no fewer than 4 dogs. Skijor and bikejor teams may start with no more than 4 dogs and no fewer than 1 dog.
Human and all canine members of the team must reach the finish line without outside assistance, otherwise they will be disqualified. Dogs may be carried in a sled bag or other safe and humane method.
No loose dogs.
Limitation of entries
The T-Dog 50 will accept sign-ups from 30 participants.
After 30 teams have signed up, we will open a waiting list of up to 10 interested parties. If any spots become available, entrants will be accepted off the waitlist in the order of sign up.
If a registered participant is unable to participate the race will allow a 1:1 substitution before opening that spot up to waitlisted entrants. All 1:1 substitution requests must be submitted in writing to tdog@trailbreakerkennel.com by March 15.
If there is an opening, waitlisted teams will be given 24 hours from notification to claim their spot. If the open spot goes unclaimed, it will be offered to the next team on the waitlist.
Race Registration
Registration for the 2024 T-Dog 50 will open online on August 19, 2023, at 6 PM Alaska Time.
Entry Fee
The entry fee for the race is $60. Beginning on registration day, $20 of the entry fee shall be non-refundable. Beginning March 1, 2024, $40 of the fee shall be non-refundable. After March 15, 2023 no refund will be issued. To declare registration cancellation, entrants must send an email (tdog@trailbrekaerkennel.com) to establish the cancellation date, refund amount, and removal from the entrant list.
Prizes
In 2024 there will be no monetary purse. Any prizes will be donated items from the community.
Dog Vaccinations
All dogs participating in the T-Dog 50 must have proof of:
A rabies vaccination given on or before February 23rd, 2024.
A Distemper/Parvo vaccination
We accept any combination vaccine that includes (but is not limited to) immunization for Parvovirus and Distemper in dogs. This vaccine must have been given on or before February 23, 2024 and must be within the date span of the immunization.
A Bordetella vaccination
We accept intranasal, oral, or injectable Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines. This vaccine must have been given on or before February 23, 2024 and must be within the date span of the immunization.
Vaccine documentation and valid Rabies certificates shall be collected digitally by race officials before race day. If a dog does not have a current required vaccine, that dog shall not be allowed to participate. Vaccine documentation must include the date of administration and the serial number of the vaccines if the dogs have been vaccinated at home by mushers.
Optional Vet Checks
T-Dog 50 participants will have access to veterinary care and advice starting at 8:30am on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Chena Pump Wayside.
Pre-Race Meeting
There will be a mandatory pre-race meeting via Zoom on Friday, March 22, 2024.
Rules for Running the Race
T-Dog 50 participants should be prepared to be 100% self supported.
Start
The race will start from the Tanana River Boat Launch located at Mile 8.7 Chena Pump Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
9:00am – Ski and Bike Mass Start (50 mile and 110 mile races)
10:00am – Bikejoring Mass Start
10:15am – Skijoring Mass Start
10:30am – Dog team starts at 2 minute intervals
Starting Procedure
Dog teams and their vehicles must be parked by 9:00.
All other participants must be present 20 minutes before their designated start time.
All dog sport participants must bring a designated handler to assist them with the start.
Race officials will begin providing parking assistance at 6:00am.
If a T-Dog 50 participant misses their designated start time, they will be asked to start after everyone else.
Race Route (Fairbanks to Nenana)
The T-Dog 50 will run approximately 46 miles from the boat launch in Fairbanks to the Alfred Starr Cultural Center in Nenana. The groomed route will follow the main trail down the Tanana established throughout the winter by mixed trail users.
Our goal is to groom a river trail that is 4-5’ wide and adequate for skate skiing. Please note that trail conditions can change daily.
Please be courteous to others who may be using the trail at the same time as T-Dog races. Participants shall not mess with the Nenana Ice Classic tripod.
25-Mile Aid Station
There will be one official aid station on the T-Dog 50 located at approximately 25-miles. Race volunteers will have warm water and space for changing wet layers. Dogs may not be dropped at this aid station.
All participants must give their bib numbers to race volunteers at the aid station.
The 25 mile aid station will shut down at 4:00pm. Anyone who has not reached it by that time will be disqualified.
Nenana Finish
T-Dog 50 will finish on the Tanana River in front of the Alfred Starr Cultural Center in Nenana.
Finish times will be calculated to reflect start differentials.
T-Dog officials will be available to assist with parking in Nenana starting at 11am on Saturday March 23, 2024.
Dog sport participants must have a handler present at the finish.
All participants will be responsible for their own transportation home from the finish.
All participants must finish by 9:00pm.
No Outside Assistance
If you plan to support participants on the trail, make sure to only provide warm up fires, moral support, and friendship. Hauling straw, food, or supplies for the participants is prohibited. Participants are responsible for carrying all their own gear during the entirety of the race. Participants can assist each other on the trail but not in a manner that advances either along the race route.
Withdrawal
Participants may withdraw their registration before the race date and receive a partial refund based on the rules outlined under the “entry fee” section.
Participants are encouraged to carry a charged cell phone and/or InReach device. Race Officials’ contact information will be distributed before the event and at the start.
Please note cell service is not consistent along the race route.
Pressing either the HELP or SOS button on the SPOT tracker indicates withdrawal.
If either button is pressed, the race will provide assistance as soon as safely possible. Participants requiring assistance may be charged for the cost of that assistance.
A participant who has withdrawn may accept any outside assistance available.
Handlers
Dog sport participants are required to have a handler at the start and finish of the race. Handlers and other assistants who are driving must be able to pass a breathalyzer test before their participant leaves any location.
Passing
All teams are required to follow the designated course. If one participant approaches another within fifty feet and calls “trail” the participant ahead must yield the right of way. The passed participant must remain behind for at least five minutes before demanding the trail. These rules do not apply within one mile of the finish line (no man’s land). Mushers may not use ski poles within 100 feet of another team.
Access to Veterinary Care
Veterinarians will be available to consult starting at 8:30am at the start on Saturday March 23, 2024 at the Tanana River Wayside. Veterinarians may also be consulted at the finish in Nenana, but please note that their priority will be the T-Dog 110 vet checks.
Ethical Treatment of Dogs
There will be no cruel or inhumane treatment of dogs allowed. Whips or other violent tactics will not be permitted. Cruel or inhumane treatment of dogs will result in immediate disqualification. Dogs entered into the race will be under the jurisdiction of the head veterinarian and the vet team of the T-Dog.
Drugs that suppress the signs of illness or injury may not be used during the T-Dog 50. No drugs or any other artificial means shall be used to increase a dogs performance beyond their natural ability. The T-Dog adopts the Iditarod’s list of prohibited drugs.
Expired Dogs
The death of a sled dog is an absolute tragedy for a musher and their team and shall be handled as such by all participants, race officials, handlers and spectators.
The death of any dog during the T-Dog 50 will be treated as an absolute priority. An expired dog will result in the team’s withdrawal. In this event, contact a race official immediately and use whatever means necessary to reach help. The race will initiate an immediate inquiry into the dog’s cause of death, which may include a post-mortem examination performed by a veterinarian.
Expired dogs may result in disqualification or penalty at the discretion of the Race Marshall in consultation with the Head Veterinarian and the T-Dog vet team.
Penalties
To ensure a fair and competitive race, the Race Marshal will penalize any team that violates these rules. The penalties may include time delays, monetary fines, mandated withdrawal, disqualification, and/or a ban from future T-Dog races. Each penalty is at the discretion of the Race Marshal.
Definitions
T-Dog – Tanana Valley Dog Sled Race: Celebrating the Spirit of Susan Butcher
Participant – one human with their chosen canine friends or other mode of transportation
Withdrawal – participant chooses to cease participating in the race for any reason
Disqualification – race officials remove participant from the race for any reason
Updated: Feb 16, 2024
Please note 2024 T-Dog 50 Rules are still subject to change.
Registration Information & Rules
T-Dog 110
March 23, 2024 (Start time: 8am)
Qualifications
This race is only open to non-motorized travelers, including, but not limited to single participants who
Ski
Bike
Skijor
Bikejor
Dog mush
There shall be only one human participant per team. All participants must be 12 years of age or older on the day of race start to participate.
Number of Dogs Per Team
Mushing teams may start with no more than 10 and finish with no fewer than 6 dogs. Skijor and bikejor teams may start with no more than 4 dogs and finish with no fewer than 1 dog. Dropping dogs will be allowed in the Nenana checkpoint.
Human and all canine members of the team must reach the finish line without outside assistance, otherwise they will be disqualified. Dogs may be carried in a sled bag or other safe and humane method.
No loose dogs.
Limitation of entries
The T-Dog 110 will accept sign-ups from 30 participants.
After 30 teams have signed up, we will open a waiting list of up to 10 interested parties. If any spots become available, entrants will be accepted off the waitlist in the order of sign up.
If a registered participant is unable to participate the race will allow a 1:1 substitution before opening that spot up to waitlisted entrants. All 1:1 substitution requests must be submitted in writing to tdog@trailbreakerkennel.com by March 15.
If there is an opening, waitlisted teams will be given 24 hours from notification to claim their spot. If the open spot goes unclaimed, it will be offered to the next team on the waitlist.
Race Registration
Registration for the 2024 T-Dog 110 will open online on August 19, 2023, at 6 PM Alaska Time.
Entry Fee
The entry fee for the race is $150. Beginning on registration day, $50 of the entry fee shall be non-refundable. Beginning March 1, 2024, $100 of the fee shall be non-refundable. After March 15, 2023 no refund will be issued. To declare withdrawal, entrants must send an email (tdog@trailbrekaerkennel.com) to establish the cancellation date, refund amount, and removal from the entrant list.
Prizes
In 2024 there will be no monetary purse. Any prizes will be donated items from the community.
Dog Vaccinations
All dogs participating in the T-Dog 110 must have proof of:
A rabies vaccination given on or before February 23rd, 2024.
A distemper/parvo vaccination
We accept any combination vaccine that includes (but is not limited to) immunization for parvovirus and distemper in dogs. This vaccine must have been given on or before February 23, 2024 and must be within the date span of the immunization.
A bordetella vaccination
We accept intranasal, oral, or injectable bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines. This vaccine must have been given on or before February 23, 2024 and must be within the date span of the immunization.
Vaccine documentation and valid rabies certificates shall be collected digitally by race officials before race day. If a dog does not have a current required vaccine, that dog shall not be allowed to participate. Vaccine documentation must include the date of administration and the serial number of the vaccines if the dogs have been vaccinated at home.
Vet Checks
T-Dog 110 participants will have access to veterinary care and advice starting at 7am on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Chena Pump Boat Launch.
All canine participants will receive a mandatory hands-on veterinary check in the Nenana checkpoint.
Veterinarians will be monitoring dogs throughout the race and have the authority to examine any dog. If a veterinarian requires a dog to be removed from a team for medical reasons, the musher will need to comply, even if it results in the musher withdrawing from the race. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
Dogs that are being dropped from the race must be signed out by a race veterinarian and will be placed in the care of a designated handler.
Pre-Race Meeting
There will be a mandatory pre-race meeting via Zoom on Friday, March 22, 2024.
Rules for Running the Race
Checkpoint
There will be one aid station 25-miles into the race and one checkpoint in Nenana. All participants will have the opportunity to have drop bags at the Nenana checkpoint. The second leg of the race is 100% self supported. This means packing and preparing enough food and drink to maintain themselves and their dog team throughout the entire run.
Access to Veterinary Care
Veterinarians will be available to consult starting at 7am at the Start on Saturday March 23, 2024 at the Tanana River Wayside.
There will be a mandatory full veterinary check at the Nenana checkpoint.
Start
The race will start from the Tanana River Boat Launch located at Mile 8.7 Chena Pump Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
8:00am- Bikejoring mass start
8:05am- skijoring mass start
8:15am- dog team starts at two minute intervals
9:00am – Ski and Bike Mass Start
Starting Procedure
Dog teams and their vehicles must be parked by 7:00.
All other participants must be present 20 minutes before their designated start time.
All dog sport participants must bring a designated handler to assist them with the start.
Race officials will begin providing parking assistance at 6:00am.
If a T-Dog 110 participant misses their designated start time, they will be asked to start after everyone else.
25-Mile Aid Station
There will be one official aid station on the T-Dog 110 located at approximately 25-miles. Race volunteers will have warm water and space for changing wet layers. Dogs may not be dropped at this aid station.
All participants must give their bib numbers to race volunteers at the aid station.
The 25 mile aid station will shut down at 4:00pm. Anyone who has not reached it by that time will be disqualified.
Straw and Drop Bags
Each team will be provided with adequate straw for each of their dogs at the Nenana checkpoint. Dog sport participants may pack a drop bag with resupplies for the Nenana checkpoint. The designated handler will be responsible for delivering the drop bag to Nenana and removing it with any returned supplies after their team leaves.
Race Route (Fairbanks to Nenana)
The first leg of the T-Dog 110 will run approximately 46 miles from the boat launch in Fairbanks to the Alfred Starr Cultural Center in Nenana. The groomed route will follow the main trail down the Tanana established throughout the winter by mixed trail users.
Our goal is to groom a river trail that is 4-5’ wide and adequate for skate skiing. Please note that trail conditions can change daily.
Please be courteous to others who may be using the trail at the same time as T-Dog races. Participants shall not mess with the Nenana Ice Classic tripod.
25-Mile Aid Station
There will be one official aid station on the T-Dog 110 located at approximately 25-miles. Race volunteers will have warm water and space for changing wet layers. Dogs may not be dropped at this aid station.
All participants must give their bib numbers to race volunteers at the aid station.
The 25 mile aid station will shut down at 4:00pm. Anyone who has not reached it by that time will be disqualified.
Nenana Checkpoint
Dog sport participants will be required to take a mandatory 4-hour rest + start time differential in Nenana.
All canine participants will receive a full hands-on veterinary check in the Nenana checkpoint.
All dog sport participants are required to have a handler be present in the Nenana checkpoint when they arrive. This handler will assist in parking the dog team or picketing the skijor/bikejor dogs.
Handlers are responsible for delivering a drop bag to their team, caring for dropped dogs and raking up used straw after their team departs.
The T-Dog will be providing a communal picket line for dogs to rest.
Race Route (Nenana to Goldstream)
The second leg of the T-Dog 110 will run approximately 62 miles from the Alfred Starr Cultural Center in downtown Nenana to Goldstream Sports in Fairbanks Alaska. The groomed route will follow the historic Dunbar trail. As this route travels between the wide open Minto flats to forest trails please expect narrower winding trails.
Please be courteous to others who may be using the trail at the same time as T-Dog races.
Note there will be no aid stations on this leg of the race. All participants are required to be self-supported for the entirety of the second leg.
Dog sport participants must have a handler present at the finish to help them get from the finishers chute to their car. All participants will be responsible for coordinating a ride for themselves, their gear and their dogs from the finish.
Finish times will be recorded up to 36 hours from the start, 9:00pm on Sunday, March 24. Participants are allowed to complete the course after this time cut off, but will not be considered as official finishers.
No Outside Assistance
If you plan to support participants on the trail, make sure to only provide warm up fires, moral support, and friendship. Hauling straw, food, or supplies for the participants is prohibited. Participants are responsible for carrying all their own gear during the entirety of the race. Participants can assist each other on the trail but not in a manner that advances either along the race route.
Withdrawal
Participants may withdraw their registration before the race date and receive a partial refund based on the rules outlined under the “entry fee” section.
Participants are encouraged to carry a charged cell phone and/or InReach device. Race Officials’ contact information will be distributed before the event and at the start.
Please note cell service is not consistent along the race route.
Pressing either the HELP or SOS button on the SPOT tracker indicates withdrawal.
If either button is pressed, the race will provide assistance as soon as safely possible. Participants requiring assistance may be charged for the cost of that assistance.
A participant who has withdrawn may accept any outside assistance available.
Handlers
Dog sport participants are required to have a handler at the start and finish of the race to help them get to and from the star/finish chute. Handlers are required to deliver drop bags to the Nenana checkpoint as well as care for and transport any dropped dogs.
Handlers and other assistants planning to drive vehicles between the start and finish must be able to pass a breathalyzer test before their participant leaves any location.
Passing
All teams are required to follow the designated course. If one participant approaches another within fifty feet and calls “trail” the participant ahead must yield the right of way. The passed participant must remain behind for at least five minutes before demanding the trail. These rules do not apply within one mile of the finish line (no man’s land). Mushers may not use ski poles within 100 feet of another team.
Ethical Treatment of Dogs
There will be no cruel or inhumane treatment of dogs allowed. Whips or other violent tactics will not be permitted. Cruel or inhumane treatment of dogs will result in immediate disqualification. Dogs entered into the race will be under the jurisdiction of the head veterinarian and the vet team of the T-Dog.
Drugs that suppress the signs of illness or injury may not be used during the T-Dog 50. No drugs or any other artificial means shall be used to increase a dogs performance beyond their natural ability. The T-Dog adopts the Iditarod’s list of prohibited drugs.
Expired Dogs
The death of a sled dog is an absolute tragedy for a musher and their team and shall be handled as such by all participants, race officials, handlers and spectators.
The death of any dog during the T-Dog 50 will be treated as an absolute priority. An expired dog will result in the team’s withdrawal. In this event, contact a race official immediately and use whatever means necessary to reach help. The race will initiate an immediate inquiry into the dog’s cause of death, which may include a post-mortem examination performed by a veterinarian.
Expired dogs may result in disqualification or penalty at the discretion of the Race Marshall in consultation with the Head Veterinarian and the T-Dog vet team.
Penalties
To ensure a fair and competitive race, the Race Marshal will penalize any team that violates these rules. The penalties may include time delays, monetary fines, mandated withdrawal, disqualification, and/or a ban from future T-Dog races. Each penalty is at the discretion of the Race Marshal.
Definitions
T-Dog – Tanana Valley Dog Sled Race: Celebrating the Spirit of Susan Butcher
Participant – one human with their chosen canine friends or other mode of transportation
Withdrawal – participant chooses to cease participating in the race for any reason
Disqualification – race officials remove participant from the race for any reason
Updated: Feb 16, 2024
Please note 2024 T-Dog Race Rules are still subject to change.
The T-DOG 200 is an official Iditarod Qualifier!
The mission of the T-Dog Races is to create a rewarding adventure for dogs and humans in the beautiful Tanana Valley. We aim to cultivate a culture of joy and support, providing individuals with the opportunity to enhance their dog care and wilderness travel skills in a welcoming environment.
Rule 1: Sportsmanship
The mission of this race is to inspire fun and joy in our community. All participants, handlers, volunteers, media and spectators must conduct themselves in a courteous and sportsmanlike manner throughout the event.
Rule 2: Qualifications
This race is only open to dog teams. There shall be only one musher per team. All mushers must be 18 years of age or older on the day of race start to participate.
Rule 3: Number of Dogs Per Team
Mushers may start the race with no more than 10 dogs and no fewer than 8 dogs. Mushers must finish the race with no fewer than 6 dogs.
Rule 4: Limitation of entries
The T-Dog 200 will accept sign-ups from 30 teams. After the first 30 teams have signed up, we will open a waiting list of up to 10 interested parties. If any spots become available, entrants will be accepted off the waitlist in the order they signed up. If a registered musher is unable to participate, but has a replacement musher who will be running a team from the same kennel, the race will allow a 1:1 musher substitution before opening that spot up to waitlisted entrants. All 1:1 substitution requests must be submitted in writing to tdog@trailbreakerkennel.com by March 15 at the latest.
If there is no substitution, the spot will open up to the waitlist in the order they joined. Each waitlisted team will be given 24 hours from notification to claim their spot. If the open spot goes unclaimed, it will be offered to the next team on the waitlist.
Rule 5: Race Registration
Registration for the 2024 T-Dog 200 will open online on December 26, 2023, at 7 PM Alaska Time.
Rule 6: Entry Fee
The entry fee for the race is $300. Beginning on registration day, $100 of the entry fee shall be non-refundable. Beginning March 1, 2024, $200 of the fee shall be non-refundable. After March 15, 2023 no refund will be issued. Musher’s are welcome to “drop down” to the T-Dog 50 and T-Dog 110 at any point. If a team opts to drop down before March 15th, they will be refunded their entry fee difference. After March 15th they shall not be refunded the entry fee difference. To declare registration cancellation, entrants must send an email (tdog@trailbrekaerkennel.com) to establish the cancellation date, refund amount, and removal from the entrant list.
Rule 7: Prizes
In 2024 there will be no monetary purse. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes will be donated items from the community. The 1st place finisher shall have their name and finish time engraved on the T-Dog traveling trophy.
Rule 8: Dog Vaccinations
All dogs racing in the T-Dog 200 must have proof of:
– A rabies vaccination given on or before February 23rd, 2024.
– A Distemper/Parvo vaccination
We accept any combination vaccine that includes (but is not limited to) immunization for Parvovirus and Distemper in dogs. This vaccine must have been given on or before February 23, 2024 and must be within the date span of the immunization.
– A Bordetella vaccination
We accept intranasal, oral, or injectable Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines. This vaccine must have been given on or before February 23, 2024 and must be within the date span of the immunization.
Vaccine documentation and valid Rabies certificates shall be presented at vet checks prior to the race. If a dog does not have a current required vaccine, that dog shall not be allowed to participate. Vaccine documentation must include the date of administration and the serial number of the vaccines if the dogs have been vaccinated at home by mushers. Please keep the stickers or serial numbers from the vaccine vials as proof of vaccination.
Rule 9: Vet Checks
Veterinary checks will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Ken Kunkel Community Center at 2591-A Goldstream Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99709 from 3 PM – 7 PM. Participants will sign up for 30-minute slots via Sign Up Genius. This will include a full hands-on exam of each dog and confirming vaccine documentation.
Rule 10: Pre-Race Meeting
A pre-race meeting will be held at 8 PM on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Ken Kunkel Community Center at 2591-A Goldstream Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99709. All mushers and handlers are required to attend this meeting. Trail conditions, race logistics, checkpoint parking, and rules will be discussed at this meeting. Driving instructions to the checkpoints will be available for handlers and spectators at the musher meeting.
Rules for Running the Race
Rule 11: Mandatory Gear
Mandatory gear is required for mushers to carry in case of an emergency. To ensure the safety of all participants, every musher must carry the following items:
– a cold weather sleeping bag
– a hand ax with a total length of 22 inches
– 3-gallon capacity cooker with cooking gear
– clearly marked fuel container(s). Mushers may arrive at checkpoints with empty fuel containers if they used them on the trail.
– adequate food for dogs and mushers
– eight booties for each dog. Booties on the dog’s feet will count. Booties that have been worn and removed during the run will count.
– Two snow hooks
– One dog sled with enough room to safely carry one dog along with all mandatory gear. Pull behind kennels will not be allowed.
The penalty for not having a piece of mandatory gear will be 20 minutes/item.
Rule 12: Handlers
Handler must be present at the Pre-Race Meeting at 8pm at the Ken Kunkel Community Center on Saturday March 23, 2024. One handler may assist up to 3 mushers.
Handlers should be prepared to safely drive between checkpoints and assist their mushers and dogs as needed. Handlers and other assistants must obey all Alaska state laws.
Handlers MAY assist their mushers in Minto. Handlers may not assist their mushers in Nenana.
Handlers are responsible for caring for any dropped dogs from their musher’s team once they have been signed out by a race veterinarian.
Rule 13: Straw and Drop Bags
The race will provide adequate straw for all teams in the Minto checkpoint and Nenana checkpoint. Musher must pack a drop bag with resupplies for the Nenana checkpoint. Nenana drop bags will be collected by the race at the start and delivered to the checkpoint.
Handlers are responsible for delivering resupplies to Minto.
Mushers must provide their own drop bags for Nenana, which should be clearly marked with their name. It is recommended that woven polypropylene bags or similar be used. Up to two bags may be packed for the Nenana checkpoint, but the total weight of supplies for each checkpoint cannot exceed 60 lbs. All contents should be packed to freeze, as drop bags will be stored outdoors.
Rule 14: Access to Veterinary Care
Veterinarians will perform a full pre-race vet check on Saturday March 23 at the Ken Kunkel Community Center (See vet checks).
Veterinary care will be available for dogs at the Minto and Nenana checkpoints. Race veterinarians will not perform a full vet check in the checkpoints, but will initiate conversations with mushers about their team’s health.
Veterinarians will be monitoring dogs throughout the race and have the authority to examine any dog. If a veterinarian requires a dog to be removed from a team for medical reasons, the musher will need to comply, even if it results in the musher withdrawing from the race. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
Rule 15: Dropped Dogs
If a musher and/or veterinarian decide to remove a dog from the team that dog will need to be signed out by a veterinarian. Officially signed out dogs are the responsibility of the handler.
Rule 16: Start
The event will kick off at the Ken Kunkel Community Center at 2591-A Goldstream Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99709, between 10am and 12pm on Sunday, March 24, 2024. Mushers must bring a handler to assist them with leaving the parking lot.
At least thirty minutes before the musher’s self-determined estimated departure time, the musher is required to check-in with the race official at the Ken Kunkel Community Center. The race official will provide them with a Spot Tracker and bib. The race official will keep a posted list updated with the estimated departure times of the teams. The race will provide volunteers who will be standing by to assist handlers in helping their teams depart safely.
Please be safe and courteous. There is no need for teams to rush or race eachother out of the parking lot.
Rule 17: First Leg (Goldstream to Minto)
Teams will have 21 hours to complete the first leg of the race from Fairbanks to Minto. The first leg is not timed and time spent on the trail and/or in the Minto checkpoint will not be considered in the team’s finishing time or position. However, the first leg (Goldstream to Minto) must be done within the 21 hours preceding the official restart for the next leg (Minto – Nenana – TBK). While teams are encouraged to rest during the first ~85-mile run and/or in the Minto checkpoint, it is not required or monitored by race officials. To proceed to the next leg (Minto – Nenana – TBK), teams must arrive in Minto by 7am on Monday, March 25, 2024.
Please note: The first leg (Goldstream – Minto) is completely self-supported. Mushers must carry all their food, straw, and supplies. The use of snow machine assistance is prohibited. Mushers must bring all mandatory gear for the first leg, and there will be a gear check immediately upon arrival at the Minto checkpoint.
Rule 18: Minto Checkpoint
The Minto checkpoint is located at the end of the 11-mile Minto road. Minto can be accessed by turning off the Elliot highway at mile 109. A handler is required to be present at the Minto checkpoint for the entirety of their musher’s layover as they are in charge of delivering supplies and caring for dropped dogs.
Mushers must arrive in Minto by 7am on Monday, March 25, 2023, or they will be disqualified from the second leg of the race.
Handlers may assist their mushers and team in any way in the Minto checkpoint. Minto drop bags/re-supplies will not be monitored by the race at all. Mushers and handlers may sleep in their vehicles, inside the checkpoint building or pitch tents.
Rule 19: No Alcohol in Minto
Minto is a dry village. No alcoholic beverages shall be transported to, sold or consumed by anyone within the boundaries of the Minto Village Corporation Land. Hallucinogenic drugs and substances are also illegal in Minto. The Minto Village Corporation defines “Hallucinogenic Drugs and Substances” to include all those drugs and substances which are illegal under state and federal laws.
Please note that the community of Old Minto is also dry. The race trail will go past Old Minto.
All mushers, handlers, volunteers, media and spectators must respect this law.
Rule 20: Minto Mass Restart
The restart will occur in Minto and depart for Nenana, beginning at 8am on Monday, March 25, 2023.
The Minto Restart will be a “Mass Sourdough Start”. Dogs may be ready to go in their harnesses and booties before 8am, but a tug-line cannot be attached to their harness. Mushers must be in their sleeping bags, on the ground with their shoes off. At 8am the clock will start and mushers will get their boots on, pack their sled and hook up their team with the assistance of only one handler or other person.
Teams may pass each other for 2 miles outside of Minto without demanding trail.
Mushers are welcome to take their time in packing their sled and hooking up their team, however, all teams must leave Minto by 9am on Monday March 25, 2023.
Rule 21: Second Leg (Minto – Nenana – TBK)
The second leg of the race will be timed and finish positions will be determined by this second leg only. Teams will run 48 miles from Minto to Nenana through the Minto flats. During the second leg of the race, mushers must take a mandatory four-hour rest in the Nenana checkpoint. After a mandatory rest, teams will run 47 miles from Nenana to Trail Breaker Kennel to finish the race.
Rule 22: Nenana Checkpoint
The Nenana checkpoint is at the Artisan Market at 415 Riverfront, Nenana, AK 99760. The race will deliver drop bags and straw to the Nenana checkpoint.
teams must rest for a minimum of 4 hours in the Nenana checkpoint.
Handlers may NOT assist their musher with dog care in the Nenana checkpoint.
Handlers must be present at the Nenana checkpoint at least 30-minutes before their musher’s estimated departure time. Handlers are responsible for caring for dropped dogs and for cleaning up their musher’s parking area after they have left.
Rule 23: Finish Line
The race will finish at Trail Breaker Kennel, located at 5880 Airport Industrial Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709.
Rule 24: No Outside Assistance
There shall be no outside assistance provided to mushers on the trail. Mushers are responsible for carrying all mandatory gear during the entirety of the race. If straw is needed for the first leg (Goldstream – Minto), the mushers must transport it themselves. Mushers can assist each other on the trail, but no outside aid will be accepted unless it is available to all.
Snow machines may not pace teams.
Rule 25: Good Samaritan
A musher will not be penalized for aiding another musher in an emergency. Emergency incidents should be reported to race officials at the next checkpoint.
Rule 26: No Interference
No one shall interfere with the progress of a team participating in the T-Dog in any manner. No one shall tamper with a musher’s dogs, food or gear.
Rule 27: Passing
During the T-Dog 200, all teams are required to follow the designated course. If one team approaches another from within fifty feet, the team ahead must yield the right of way upon request by the second team when calling out “trail,” except within “no man’s land”. “No man’s land” shall be one mile from the finish line and 2 miles outside of Minto after the restart. The passed team must remain behind for at least five minutes before demanding the trail. Ski poles are not allowed within one mile of the finish line. “No man’s land” zones will be clearly marked.
Rule 28: Killing of Game Animals (adopted from the Iditarod)
In the event that an edible big game animal, i.e., moose, caribou, buffalo, is killed in defense of life or property, the musher must gut the animal and report the incident to a race official at the next checkpoint. Following teams must help gut the animal when possible. No teams may pass until the animal has been gutted and the musher killing the animal has proceeded. Any other animal killed in defense of life or property must be reported to a race official, but need not be gutted.
Rule 29: Litter
No litter of any kind may be left on the trail, in camps, or in checkpoints. Excessive leftover dog food is considered litter. Straw is not considered litter.
Rule 30: Withdrawal
Participants may withdraw their registration before the race date and receive a partial refund based on the rules outlined under the “entry fee” section.
In the event that mushers choose to scratch, they must notify the Race Marshal by pushing the HELP button on their Spot Tracker, or contacting the Race Marshal by other means. Pressing the HELP or SOS button will result in immediate withdrawal.
If the HELP or SOS button is pressed, the race will provide assistance as soon as safely possible. Participants requiring assistance may be charged for the cost of that assistance.
A participant who has withdrawn may accept any outside assistance available.
Rule 31: Ethical Treatment of Dogs
There will be no cruel or inhumane treatment of dogs allowed. Whips or other violent tactics will not be permitted. Cruel or inhumane treatment of dogs will result in immediate disqualification.
Dogs entered into the race will be under the jurisdiction of the head veterinarian and the vet team of the T-Dog 200. Veterinarians will be monitoring the dogs throughout the entire race and have the authority to mandate dogs be dropped from the team or entire teams withdrawal from the race.
Drivers must have the means and space to carry a dog safely in the sled if necessary. Dogs may not be led behind the sled.
Drugs that suppress the signs of illness or injury may not be used during the T-Dog 200. No drugs or any other artificial means shall be used to increase a dogs performance beyond their natural ability. The T-Dog 200 adopts the Iditarod’s list of prohibited drugs.
Rule 32: Expired Dogs
If a dog expires during the T-Dog 200 this situation will be treated as an absolute priority. An expired dog must be loaded into the musher’s sled bag and carried to the next checkpoint and presented to the Race Marshal or Race Vet for examination. The race will then initiate an immediate inquiry into the dog’s cause of death, which may include a post-mortem examination performed by a veterinarian.
Expired dogs may result in disqualification or penalty at the discretion of the Race Marshall in consultation with the Head Veterinarian and the T-Dog vet team.
Expired sled dogs are an absolute tragedy for a musher and their team and shall be handled as such by all participants, race officials, handlers and spectators.
Rule 33: Penalties
To ensure a fair race, the Race Marshal will penalize any team that violates these rules. The penalties may include time delays, monetary fines, mandated withdrawal, disqualification, and/or a ban from future T-Dog races. Each penalty is at the discretion of the Race Marshal.
Updated: March 12, 2024
