Race Entry - Northern Pines Sled Dog Race

MUSHER FAQ's & REGISTRATION

RACE DATE, LOCATION:

The date for the 2025 race has not been set. The race location will be at the Northern Pines Golf Course and Event Center located at 69420 Airport Road, Iron River, WI 54847.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

We have a seventy team limit for this race. The first 5 spots are reserved for each event. Afterwards, “First Come 1st Served” until the team limit is reached.
Additional team registrations (beyond 70) will be placed on a reserve listing. Registration fee’s will be refunded to these applicants if they are not moved up to the main draw.
All applications need to be submitted by February 1st.
No event changes or driver substitutions will be accepted two days before the start of the race.

LATE REGISTRATIONS AND RACE CANCELLATION POLICY:

LATE REGISTRATIONS:
Registrations after the Mandatory Driver’s Meeting will not be allowed unless the driver had attended the Mandatory meeting.
Registration changes after February 1st are discouraged but can be allowed with Race Marshal approval. $25 fee for changing any class/drivers entry. $50 late fee per class for any registrations received after February 1^st.
RACE CANCELLATION POLICY:
Postponement date if needed, will be preset to one week from current date. Subject to one day from race date if conditions warrant. Drivers are allowed a full refund option.

BANQUET & MANDATORY MUSHER MEETING:

Musher Meeting is “Mandatory” and will take place February 16th at the clubhouse with the meeting starting at 6pm.
Banquet is optional. Dinner will begin at 5:30, please purchase your ticket ($20/person, 5 years and under are FREE) when you arrive at the clubhouse.

LODGING:

More information can be found here.

MANDATORY SNUB LINE STARTING:

There will be no chain for snow hooks. Snub lines shall extend at least 1 foot but no longer than 2 feet beyond the handle bar. Loop should be approximately 3-4” in diameter. No metal rings. Snub line should be adjustable to run off either the right or left side of the sled (because of possible duel starts, you may be in either chute).

MUSHERS UNDER 18

Registration entry fees are discounted 50% for all junior mushers. Helmets and parent/guardian consent are “required” for junior mushers under 18 years of age. See RACE RULES and RACE WAIVER for more specific details. Teams may encounter head-on passing.

THE COURSE:

The race starts and finishes at the beautiful Northern Pines Golf Course and Event Center. Situated in the Bayfield County and Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest, this sprint/mid-distance race is an exhilarating downhill start from the Club House, a run through the golf course, and then enters into the Bayfield County Trail system and the Tri-County Corridor. All race mileage’s were calculated using Google Earth.

Location (here)

RACE FEES & REFUND POLICY:

Open ~ $110* Mid-Distance ~ $100* 6 Dog ~ $90* 4 Dog ~ $80*

Northern Pines Sled Dog Race, NPSDR in Iron River WI

Registration refunds will be honored until January 1st (minus any Stripe service fees). No refunds past this date. If you have submitted an entry form and were placed on the reserve list, but not moved into the main draw, we will refund your entry (minus any Stripe service fees).

Registration entry fees are discounted 50% for all junior mushers.

SIZE OF THE TEAMS:

* Four-Dog Class Team shall consist of not more than four (4) dogs, and not less than three (3) dogs.

* Six-Dog Team shall consist of not more than six (6) dogs, and not less than four (4) dogs.

* Mid-Distance Class 8 Dog Team shall consist of not more than eight (8) dogs, not less than six (6) dogs.

* Open/Limited Class size will be limited to 14 dogs max depending on trail conditions and decided by the Trail Boss and Race Marshal, not less than (7) dogs.

VACCINE CHECK:

The NPSDR veterinarian will be conducting randomized vaccination checks prior to the start of the Sprint/Mid-Distance/Weight Pull events. Drivers must provide dog vaccination records if requested. If in violation of NPSDR vaccination standards, musher may be disqualified by the Race Officials. By entering the NPSDR, you acknowledge that you have all the required dog vaccinations for the dogs you entered.

PURSE & BAG CHECKERS:

RACE PURSE: To be determined prior to the race. See the NPSDR website for more details.
BAG CHECKERS: The sled must have a snub line, brush bow, gangline cutting tool, a proper functioning brake bolted to the sled and a snow hook. Helmets are required for Jr. mushers under 18 years of age.
RACE RULES: Here

DUAL STARTS:

May be utilized in the 4 and 6 dog events. Teams may start in 1 or 2-minute intervals. Current weather conditions may result in specific start time changes (for all events) deemed necessary by the Race Marshal.

RESPONSIBILITY AND SPORTSMANSHIP

All drivers shall be responsible for the conduct of their dogs, their designated handler, and themselves whenever in the race area or on the trail. Teams or individual team members, can be disqualified for any disrespect or verbal/physical abuse toward any race official or volunteer. The Race Marshall will determine if entry in future NPSDR events will be permitted.

REGISTRATIONS ARE CLOSED

Upon entering the NPSDR race, all entrants will be required to consent to our Race Rules and the following Race Waiver & Photo Release Requirements

I release the Iron River Area Chamber of Commerce (IRCC), Northern Pines Golf Course & Event Center, all sponsoring groups, volunteers and property owners along the sled dog trails from all liability or injury to drivers or teams. I accept full responsibility for my and/or my child’s participation in this event.

I’m applying to participate in the Northern Pines Sled Dog Race (NPSDR) in Iron River, Wisconsin. I acknowledge that a sled dog race is a test of a person’s physical and mental capabilities and carries with it the potential of property loss, serious injury or even death to both the driver and their dogs.

The risks include, but are not limited to: actions of other people including, but not limited to, the NPSDR race organization, IRCC, Town of Hughes, Bayfield County, Northern Pines Golf Course and Event Center (NPGC), participants, handlers, volunteers, spectators, event producers, property owners, the sponsoring or promoting bodies, race officials, or race personnel, weather, physical conditions of the trail and/or other natural conditions, interactions with drivers and their dog teams, man made situations of any kind whatsoever pertaining to or during the race, including my travel to and from this event. I hereby assume all of the risks of participating in the Northern Pines Sled Dog Race.

Further, I understand the Iron River Area Chamber of Commerce, NPSDR organization, Northern Pines Golf Course & Event Center are organizations that support sled dog racing and their actions directly benefit me. In consideration of my application and permitting me to participate in this event, I hereby take action for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors, and assigns as follows:

(A) Waive, release, and discharge from any and all liability for my death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft, or actions of any kind which may hereafter occur to me even through the negligence or carelessness of the following entities or persons: NPSDR race organization, IRCC, NPGC, Town of Hughes, Bayfield County, involved municipalities or other public entities, businesses and their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, representatives, and agents, the event sponsors, and event property owners.

(B) Indemnify and hold harmless all entities and persons mentioned in paragraph A from any and all liabilities or claims made by other individuals or entities as a result of my actions during this event.

(C ) I understand that at this event or related activities I may be photographed. I agree to allow my photo, video, or film likeness to be used for any legitimate purpose by the event holders, producers, sponsors, organizers, and/or assigns. Any legal or equitable claim that may arise from participation in the above event shall be resolved under Wisconsin Law.

(D) The NPSDR Race Rules Document can be viewed here.