As we get closer to race day, let’s take a moment to talk about the two day race format.
Most dryland events are held over two consecutive days (usually Saturday and Sunday). Competitors run the same course both days, sometimes with only minor variations depending on trail conditions. A competitor races in the same class(es) both days.
Each competitor’s run is timed separately each day. At the end of the event, the two times are added together. The lowest combined time wins.
– Example: If a team runs 10:15 on Day 1 and 10:05 on Day 2, their total is 20:20.
This format rewards consistency, a fast but clean second day can make up for small mistakes on the first, and vice versa. Because the races are in the fall, trails may change from one day to the next (mud, frost, leaves, etc.). Dogs and mushers must adapt quickly.
Day 1 start order is usually based on a draw or registration sequence. On Day 2, start order is based on Day 1’s finish times, fastest first.
Splitting the race across two days makes it fairer: it reduces the impact of one bad run, spreads out the physical effort for dogs, and ensures the best teams rise to the top.
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