CopperDart Race

The CopperDart is a youth-focused, single-stage sled dog race covering 4.8 miles in Copper Harbor, created to introduce the next generation of mushers to the excitement of race day. Open to mushers ages 15 and under, the CopperDart is designed as a 4-dog race with the flexibility to participate with smaller teams, making it approachable while still maintaining real race structure. Held Saturday afternoon, the race emphasizes safe handling, teamwork, and fun in a supportive environment, giving young competitors the chance to build confidence, gain experience, and become part of the CopperDog tradition.

Race Registration
Musher Information
Official Race Rules

2026 CopperDart – Who’s Registered?

4-DOG RACE WITH THE ABILITY OF PARTICIPATING EVEN IF YOU SHOW UP WITH ONLY THREE DOGS. OPEN TO MUSHERS 15 AND YOUNGER, AND A GUARDIAN CAN ACCOMPANY YOU FREE OF CHARGE. THE FUTURE IS NOW!

  • 4-DOG MAX AT THE START
  • 2-DOG MIN AT THE START
  • 2-DOG MIN AT THE FINISH

ALL HARNESSED, HOOKED, AND ON THE GROUND

  • Start: Saturday February 28th, 2025
  • Race Length: 4.8 miles* long
  • Stages: one (1)
    • Stage 1 Start: Saturday afternoon in Copper Harbor, MI
    • Stage 1 End: Copper Harbor, MI
  • Purse: $120
    • Pays: 1st – 3rd

*The CopperDog race planning team reserves the right to vary the actual length of the race by +/- 10%

This is the official CopperDog schedule that you can print or download.

More Details About CopperDart

The CopperDart is where the future of sled dog racing takes center stage. Designed specifically for young mushers ages 15 and under, this short, exciting race is all about learning, confidence, and having fun on the trail—because the future is now.

The CopperDart is a 4-dog race with the flexibility to participate with as few as three dogs, making it an ideal entry point for youth teams just getting started. To support young competitors, a guardian may accompany the musher free of charge, ensuring a safe, encouraging, and family-friendly race environment.

All teams start harnessed, hooked, and on the ground, emphasizing proper handling, teamwork, and good trail habits right from the beginning. The 4.8-mile single-stage course begins and ends in Copper Harbor, offering a manageable challenge that still delivers the thrill of race day.

Taking place Saturday afternoon, the CopperDart gives young mushers the chance to experience a real race setting, complete with spectators, announcers, and CopperDog energy—just in a smaller, more approachable format.

With a $120 purse paid out to the top three finishers, the CopperDart celebrates effort, sportsmanship, and the next generation of dog mushers who will carry this tradition forward.

Whether it’s a first race or another step in a growing journey, the CopperDart is about building skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of sled dog racing.

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