Chuck & Don's Skijoring Loppet

Saturday, February 5, 2011
2:00 p.m.

Ski with your best friend - your dog. Skijoring teams race around Lake of the Isles before finishing in Uptown. 7km, 4.5km, and 2.5 km distances. With the grand Uptown finish, the Chuck & Don's Skijoring Loppet is a fan-favorite.

There is no race-day registration for the Skijor Loppet.

Skijoring is being featured once again at this World-Class Cross Country Skiing Event. Skijoring is a rapidly growing sport that combines dog sledding with Cross Country Skiing. A dog of nearly any breed and size is outfitted with a pulling harness and is attached to a skier with a specialized belt and towline. This forms a cooperative team that provides both human and canine with a healthy Minnesota winter experience. Come watch if you're curious or come race if you're ready for some great winter fun!

Key times:
Check-in starts at 12:00 AM and closes at 1:30 at the at the southeast corner of Lake of the Isles.

There is NO day of race registration.

1:45 Call to Start/Skijorers Meeting
2 p.m. – Skijoring 7K starts
2:10 p.m. – Skijoring 4.5K starts

2:15 – Skijoring 2.5K starts
2:45 (or as soon as possible) Skijor Loppet Awards at Finish line.

Classes:
7.5km: While open to all teams, the 7 kilometer race is part of the skijoring national championships.  This race will feature some of the best skijoring teams in North America.  Racers make two loops around Lake of the Isles before heading into the grand finish on the Mall in Uptown.  Cash prizes for the top three teams in the 7K race.
4.5km: The 4.5 kilometer race takes one lap around Lake of the Isles and then heads directly up the Mall to the finish in Uptown.  Chuck & Don’s gift card prizes to the top three teams in the 4.5K race.
2.5km: The 2.5K race takes an abbreviated loop around Lake of the Isles and then heads up the Mall to finish in Uptown.  Chuck & Don’s gift card prizes to the top three teams in the 4.5K race.
See official race rules to determine the appropriate class to enter.

Parking:
Street parking is available on E & W Lake of the IslesParkways and E & W Lake of the Isles Boulevards surrounding Lake of theIsles.  Please note, Knox Ave south and East Calhoun Parkway will not be open. All cross streets from the Lagoon to the top of the mall will be close due tothe trail extending to the finish at the top of the mall.

Race Rules:
Participants are responsible for reading, understanding and complying with published race rules. Any changes or adjustments to these rules will be communicated during the mandatory Skijorers' meeting held prior the to the race. Safety is of up most concern for all and rules will be altered to ensure safety.

Packet Pickup:

Packet pickup for the Chuck & Don’s Skijoring Loppet will be available on Friday night at Chuck & Don’s Calhoun Village store.  Note that packet pickup for other events will not be available on Friday night and registration for the Skijoring Loppet ends on the Wednesday evening before the event – when on-line registration closes.

Race Format:
Skijoring teams will line up side-by-side and will start in waves.  For larger waves, skiers will have to self-seed – with the front line reserved for those teams looking to finish near the front. Advanced teams will start at 1 p.m. Recreational and novice teams will start immediately after. The finish is at the top of the Mall in Uptown. Race distance is approximately 4.5 kilometers (or 3 miles).

Awards:
There are cash prizes in the 7km category: $100 for 1st, $50 for 2nd and $25 for 3rd. In the 4.5km and 2.5km categories the top three finishers receive gift certificates to Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet.

Local Skijoring Club:
Midwest Skijorers offers clinics, fun runs and races. Come join the fun!