Registration Information & Rules

T-Dog 200

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.

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 OR 16 years or older on race day WITH previous experience from a race over 50 mi long, that included a checkpoint. 16 and 17 year olds should contact info@tdogalaska.org with their qualifying race information. All musher participants must sign the T-Dog Code of Conduct at time of sign up, and a waiver at the musher meeting.

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. No loose dogs. 

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. Waitlisted teams will be informed of their position on the waitlist. 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 info@tdogalaska.org.

If there is no substitution, the spot will open up to the waitlisted teams in the order they joined. Each waitlisted team will be contacted via email and 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. 

5: Race Registration

Registration for the 2025 T-Dog 200 will open in person and online at 7pm on October 26, 2024. Last day to register for the race is March 15, 2025.

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, 2025, $200 of the fee shall be non-refundable. After March 15, 2025 no refund will be issued. Mushers are welcome to “drop down” to the T-Dog 50 or T-Dog 100 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 (info@tdogalaska.org) to establish the cancellation date, refund amount, and removal from the entrant list. 

7: Prizes

In 2025 there will be no monetary purse. Prizes for finishers will be donated items from the community. The 1st place finisher of the T-Dog 200 shall have their name and finish time engraved on the T-Dog traveling trophy.

8: Dog Vaccinations

All dogs racing in the T-Dog 200 must have proof of: 

• A rabies vaccination given on or before February 23rd, 2025.

• 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, 2025 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, 2025 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.

9: Vet Checks

Veterinary checks will take place on the day prior to race start. This veterinary check will include a full hands-on exam of each dog and confirming vaccine documentation. Participants will sign up for 30-minute slots via Sign Up Genius. Dates will be posted closer to race date. 

10: Pre-Race Meeting

A pre-race meeting will be held before the race. 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. Time and date will be posted closer to race date. 

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. 

• Vet book (provided by T-Dog before race start)

• 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. 

12: Handlers 

Handlers must be present at the pre-race meeting (date to be determined). 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 as well as respect any laws or policies of the host communities.

Handlers are responsible for caring for any dropped dogs from their musher’s team once they have been signed out by a race veterinarian. 

Handlers are responsible for cleaning up any straw or other debris from their team at each checkpoint and disposing of that waste.

13: Straw and Drop Bags

The race will provide adequate straw for all teams in the Minto and Nenana checkpoint. Drop bag logistics will be posted at a later date. 

14: Veterinary Care During Race

Veterinarians will perform a full pre-race vet check before the race.

Mushers will be given a vet book and will be responsible for keeping the vet book accessible, presenting it to the veterinarians, and returning it to race officials at the finish.
Veterinary care will be available for dogs at checkpoints. Race veterinarians may not perform a full vet check in the checkpoints, but will initiate conversations with mushers about their team’s health. 

Veterinarians must sign off on each team before that team is allowed to depart from mandatory checkpoints. It is the responsibility of the musher to approach a race veterinarian for sign off with adequate time for review before departure time.

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.

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. 

16: Start
Start time and date to be shared soon. 

17: First Leg (Manley Hot Springs - Tolovana Roadhouse - Minto)

Teams will have a set number of hours in which to complete the first leg of the race route from Manley Hot Springs 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 must be done within the dedicated timeframe preceding the official restart for the next leg (Minto - Nenana - Fairbanks). While teams are encouraged to rest during the first ~80-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 - Fairbanks), teams must arrive in Minto before the official restart in Minto. 

Please note: The first leg (Manley Hot Springs - 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.

18:  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. 

19: Minto
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 caring for dropped dogs.

Handlers may assist their mushers and team in any way in the Minto checkpoint. Mushers and handlers may sleep in their vehicles, inside the checkpoint building or pitch tents. 

20: Minto Mass Restart 

Time, date and specific rules for Restart will be posted soon. 

The Minto restart will be a “Mass Sourdough Start” with details to come. Teams may pass each other for 2 miles outside of Minto checkpoint without demanding trail. 

Mushers are welcome to take their time in the Sourdough start activities, but all teams must leave Minto by a determined time. 

21: Second Leg (Minto - Nenana - Fairbanks)

The second leg of the race will be timed and finish positions will be determined by this second leg only. Teams will run ~50 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 ~50 miles from Nenana to Trail Breaker Kennel in Fairbanks to finish the race. 

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. 

23: Finish Line

The race will finish at Trail Breaker Kennel, located at 5880 Airport Industrial Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709. 

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  (Minto - Manley Hot Springs), 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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 race officials 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. 

Mushers 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. 

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 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.

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 10/24/24
Note: T-Dog rules are subject to changed

Registration Information & Rules

T-Dog 100

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.

2: Qualifications

This race is only open to non-motorized travelers. The race was designed for dog teams, skijor teams and bikejor teams. Experienced human powered athletes may participate (please email info@tdogalaska.org to confirm experience). There shall be only one human participant per team. All participants must be 16 years of age or older on the day of race start to participate, and must sign the T-Dog Code of Conduct at time of signup as well as a waiver at the pre-race meeting.

3: 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. 

4: Limitation of entries

The T-Dog 100 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 dog-sport participant is unable to participate the race will allow a 1:1 substitution from the same kennel/dog home before opening that spot up to waitlisted entrants. All 1:1 substitution requests must be submitted in writing to info@tdogalaska.org. 

If there is an opening, waitlisted teams will be notified via email and 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. 

5: Race Registration

Registration for the 2025 T-Dog 100 will open in person and online on October 26, 2024, at 7PM Alaska Time. Last day to register for the race is March 15, 2025

6: 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, 2025, $100 of the fee shall be non-refundable. After March 15, 2025 no refund will be issued. To declare withdrawal, entrants must send an email (info@tdogalaska.org) to establish the cancellation date, refund amount, and removal from the entrant list. 

7: Prizes

In 2025 there will be no monetary purse. Any prizes will be donated items from the community.

8: Dog Vaccinations

All dogs participating in the T-Dog 100 must have proof of: 

• A rabies vaccination given on or before February 23rd, 2025.

• 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, 2025 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, 2025 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.  Please keep the stickers or serial numbers from the vaccine vials as proof of vaccination.

9: Pre-Race Meeting

There will be a mandatory pre-race meeting. Time and date to be determined.

10: Gear

There is no mandatory gear for the 100 mile race.  However, participants should reference the mandatory gear for the 200 mile race and be prepared to keep themself and their dogs safe during 100 miles of winter travel.

Dog teams will be given a vet book to carry during the race.

11: Handlers (for all dog sport participants)

Handlers must be present at the Pre-Race meeting (date to be determined). One handler may assist up to 3 teams.

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 as well as respect any laws or policies of the host communities.

Handlers are responsible for caring for any dropped dogs from their musher’s team once they have been signed out by a race veterinarian. 

Handlers are responsible for cleaning up any straw or other debris from their team at the checkpoint and transporting waste back to a transfer station in Fairbanks.

12: Straw and Drop Bags

Each team will be provided with adequate straw for each of their dogs at the Nenana checkpoint. Participants may pack a drop bag with resupplies for the Nenana checkpoint. Drop bag logistics will be posted at a later date.

13: Veterinary Care

There is no pre-race vet check.

Veterinarians will be available at race start for consultation.

Mushers of dog teams will be given a vet book and will be responsible for keeping the vet book accessible, presenting it to the veterinarians, and returning it to race officials at the finish.

All canine participants will receive a mandatory, hands-on veterinary check in the Nenana checkpoint.

Veterinarians must sign off on each team before that team is allowed to depart from the Nenana checkpoint.  It is the responsibility of the musher to approach a race veterinarian for sign off with adequate time for review before departure time.

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.

14: 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. 

15:  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. 

16: Start
Start time and location in Minto will be shared at a later date.

Dog teams and their vehicles will have a designated time at which they must be parked. 

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. 

If a T-Dog 100 participant misses their designated start time, they will be asked to start after everyone else.

17: Race Route (Minto to Nenana)

The first leg of the T-Dog 100 will run approximately 50 miles from Minto to Nenana. 

18: Nenana Checkpoint

The Nenana checkpoint is at the Artisan Market at 415 Riverfront, Nenana, AK 99760. 

Dog sport participants will be required to take a mandatory 4-hour rest + start time differential in Nenana. 

All dog sport participants are required to have a handler be present in the Nenana checkpoint at least 30 minutes before their team’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. 

The T-Dog will be providing a communal picket line for dogs from skijor and bikejor teams to rest. 

19: Race Route (Nenana to Fairbanks)

The second leg of the T-Dog 100 will run approximately 50 miles from Nenana to Fairbanks, traveling a groomed trail upriver on the Tanana River. 

Please be courteous to others who may be using the trail at the same time as T-Dog races.

There will be an aid station along this route during the running of the T-Dog 50.  This station is designed for human-powered participants in the T-Dog 50 mile race and availability will be timed for their use.  T-Dog 100 participants may utilize the station if available and needed.

20: Finish Line

The race will finish at Trail Breaker Kennel, located at 5880 Airport Industrial Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709. 

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. 

21: 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.

Snow machines may not pace teams.

22: Good Samaritan

A participant will not be penalized for aiding another participant in an emergency. Emergency incidents should be reported to race officials at the next checkpoint. 

23: 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 participant’s dogs, food or gear. 

24: Passing
During the T-Dog 100, 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 the start. The passed team must remain behind for at least five minutes before demanding the trail. Dog mushers are not allowed to use ski poles within one mile of the finish line. “No man’s land” zones will be clearly marked.

25: 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.

26: 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.

27: 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 participants 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.

28: 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 race officials and the vet team of the T-Dog. 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. 

Dog teams 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. 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. 

29: Expired Dogs

If a dog expires during the T-Dog, this situation will be treated as an absolute priority. An expired dog must be 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.

30: 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.  

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 10/24/24

Note: T-Dog rules are subject to change.

Registration Information & Rules
T-Dog 50
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.

2: Qualifications

This race is only open to non-motorized travelers, including, but not limited to single participants who: ski, bike, skijor, bikejor and dog mush*.

All participants must be 12 years of age or older on the day of race start to participate, and must sign the T-Dog Code of Conduct at time of signup as well as a waiver at the pre-race meeting.

*Dog mushing teams may have two humans.  At least one of these humans must be 18 years of age or older on the day of race start.

3: 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.

4: 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 info@tdogalaska.org by March 15, 2025. 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.

5: Race Registration
Registration for the 2025 T-Dog 50 will open in person and online on October 26, 2023, at 7 PM Alaska Time. Last day to register for the race is March 15, 2025

6: 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, 2025, $40 of the fee shall be non-refundable. After March 15, 2025 no refund will be issued. To declare registration cancellation, entrants must send an email (info@tdogalaska.org) to establish the cancellation date, refund amount, and removal from the entrant list.

7: Prizes
In 2025 there will be no monetary purse. Any prizes will be donated items from the community.

8: Dog Vaccinations
All dogs racing in the T-Dog 50 must have proof of: 

• A rabies vaccination given on or before February 23rd, 2025.

• 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, 2025 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, 2025 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.

9: Optional Vet Checks
T-Dog 50 participants will have access to veterinary care and advice at race start and finish.

10: Handlers
Dog sport participants are required to have a handler at the start and finish of the race. Handlers should be prepared to safely drive between start and finish and assist their mushers and dogs as needed. Handlers and other assistants must obey all Alaska state laws as well as respect any laws or policies of the host communities.

11: Gear

There is no mandatory gear for the 50 mile race.  However, participants should reference the mandatory gear for the 200 mile race and be prepared to keep themself and their dogs safe during 50 miles of winter travel.

12: Pre-Race Meeting
There will be a mandatory pre-race meeting. Date and time to be determined. 

13: Start
Start time in Nenana will be shared soon.

Dog teams and their vehicles will have a designated time at which they must be parked.

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. 

If a T-Dog 50 participant misses their designated start time, they will be asked to start after everyone else.

14: Race Route (Nenana to Fairbanks)
The T-Dog 50 will run approximately 50 miles from Nenana to Trail Breaker Kennel in Fairbanks. The groomed route will follow the main trail on 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.

15:  Aid Station
There will be one official aid station on the T-Dog 50 approximately halfway through the course. Dogs may not be dropped at this aid station.

All participants must give their bib numbers to race volunteers at the aid station.

16: Finish
The race will finish at Trail Breaker Kennel, located at 5880 Airport Industrial Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709. 

Finish times will be calculated to reflect start differentials.

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 [date and time to be posted].

17: 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.

Snow machines may not pace teams.

18: Good Samaritan

A participant will not be penalized for aiding another participant in an emergency. Emergency incidents should be reported to race officials at the next checkpoint. 

19: 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 participant’s dogs, food or gear. 

20: Passing
During the T-Dog 50, 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 the start. The passed team must remain behind for at least five minutes before demanding the trail. Dog mushers are not allowed to use ski poles within one mile of the finish line. “No man’s land” zones will be clearly marked.

21: 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.

22: 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.

23: 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 participants 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.

24: 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 race officials and the vet team of the T-Dog. 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. 

Dog teams 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. 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. 

25: 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 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.

26: 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.  

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 10/24/24

Note: T-Dog rules are subject to change.