CopperDash

A Youth Sled-Dog Sprint Experience

CopperDash is a fun, non-sanctioned youth sled-dog event that gives kids the chance to experience what it’s like to be a musher in a safe, supportive, and community-focused environment.

Held alongside CopperPull, CopperDash is designed specifically for young participants and features a very short, straight sprint course on snow — perfect for first-time mini-mushers.

About the Race

  • Single-dog, timed sprint race
  • One child per sled
  • 75-foot straight chute on snow
  • Each mini-musher has up to 2 minutes to complete the course
  • Fastest time wins within each age group
  • Each dog is limited to two runs maximum

Registration Information

  • Total Spots Available: 40 participants
  • Registration: In-person & Online
  • Where: CopperDog Announcer’s Booth at the Gipp
  • When: Saturday before and during the event
  • Check-In: Participants must be present at least 15 minutes before their run

Who Can Participate

Age Groups:

  • Ages 4–8
  • Ages 9–12
  • Experience Required: None
  • Dogs:
    • Participants are encouraged to bring their own dog
    • A limited pool of sled dogs may be available for children without a dog

Awards & Recognition

  • Participants are grouped by age: 4–8 and 9–12

  • Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age group

  • The fastest time in each age group will also receive a prize

  • All participants receive a commemorative CopperDog button

Event Policies

  • No aggressive dogs permitted

  • Failure to comply with event rules may result in disqualification

  • Event organizers reserve the right to refuse or dismiss any entry at their discretion

Official Race Rules
More Information
Register here

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, Febuary 28th, 2025
  • Location: George Gipp Recreation Area & Ice Arena, Laurium, MI
  • Held With: CopperPull
  • Format: Non-sanctioned community fun event
  • Course Length: 75 feet (straight chute)

Dogs & Equipment

  • Sleds and dog harnesses are provided by event organizers

  • Please do not bring your own sled

  • Dogs must be:

    • Current on vaccinations

    • Non-aggressive

    • Healthy

    • Of reasonable size

  • An adult must accompany each child to help handle the dog

A limited number of dogs may be available from event volunteers and partner kennels. Availability is not guaranteed, so participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own dog if possible.

Safety Requirements

  • Protective headgear is required for all participants

    • Hockey, ski, or other approved recreational helmets are acceptable

    • Helmets may be available if participants do not have their own

  • All dogs must:

    • Be kept on a standard (non-retractable) leash at all times

    • Remain under owner control

    • Stay out of designated off-limits areas

  • Owners must clean up after their pets

Waivers & Responsibility

  • A parent or guardian must sign an event waiver

  • Participants assume full responsibility for their dog

  • By entering, you acknowledge that:

    • Your dog is fully vaccinated

    • You can provide veterinary records within 7 days if requested

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