Mark your calendars for February 28th, from 2 pm to 4 pm as Twin Cities Dog Powered Sports comes to George Gipp Recreation Area & Ice Arena for the CopperDash! Meet working sled dogs and learn about what it takes to be a musher. Kids 4 to 12 years of age are invited to try their hand at dogsledding in a fully fenced-in 75 foot race using their own dog (or borrow one of ours!)
Want to race?
Bring your kids 4-12 years of age and their very own furry friend to pull them down a 75 foot straight, fenced in chute. Dogs must be of reasonable size and healthy. An adult must accompany each child to help handle your dog. Sleds, harnesses for the dogs and helmets will be provided. A limited pool of dogs will be available to borrow by any child that wants to participate but doesn’t have their own dog. However, we encourage participants to bring their own dog as our pool of dogs may not be able to accommodate everyone.
- When: February 28th, 2026: 2 pm to 4 pm
- Where: George Gipp Recreation Area & Ice Arena, 200 Isle Royale St, Laurium, MI 49913
- Please be aware that event may experience delays due to weather
- Pre-registration is encouraged. Same-day registration will be accepted for up to 40 Mini-Mushers. Link at bottom of page.
- If bringing a personal pet, please maintain a respectful distance from the sled dogs. Keep an eye on children and toddlers as well, as the dog’s excitement for pets could be overwhelming.
- Awards: each child will receive one Mini-Musher pin. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons will be awarded for kids 4-8 years of age and 9-12 years of age.
- Cost is Free!
- TCDPS Event Coordinators: Stephanie See, info@tcdps.org; Chris Kivi, yoopertracks@gmail.com
Race Rules
1) No aggressive dogs may be entered. You are expected to have your pet under control at all times. Dogs must be current on vaccinations and proof may be requested. Dogs should be a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 years old, the event coordinator reserves the right to disqualify dogs.
2) TCDPS reserves the right to cap participants.
3) A pool of dogs will be available to borrow for those children that don’t have a dog of their own but still want to participate. We strongly encourage participants to bring their own dog as our pool of dogs is limited and we may not be able to accommodate everyone.
4) Only dogs participating in the CopperDash are permitted to attend. Otherwise, dogs or pets of any kind are not allowed at the CopperDash or CopperDog race locations, trailside or otherwise. Certain areas may be off limits to personal dogs and all dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets and no retractable leashes are allowed.
6) Entrants will be organized based on the child’s age: 4-8 and 9-12 years old. Winners are determined by the time to complete the 75 foot course. Mini-mushers have 2 minutes to finish the course. Fastest time wins. Participant awards will be given to the top three places in each class.
7) Dog sleds, harnesses, lines and helmets will be provided. Participants may bring their own harnesses as long as they are designed for pulling. Walking harnesses are not permitted. Competitors may bring their own bicycle or snowboarding helmet. The event coordinator final determination regarding fitness of provided gear.
8) Trained 2 dog sled teams may be accepted on a case by case bases at the discretion of the CopperDash event coordinators. Unruly duos that may be a safety concern for young riders will not be allowed.
9) All competitors assume full responsibility for their pets. Each mini-musher/guardian will be required to sign an event/rules waiver.
10) By entering this event, you acknowledge that you have all the required vaccinations for the dog(s) you entered, will submit records for inspection, and will contact your vet to authorize the release of all dogs records within 7 days if asked to.
11) Failure to comply with any of the above rules will result in disqualification. The CopperDash event coordinator reserves the right to refuse/dismiss any entries.
Ready to Register?
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Twin Cities Dog Powered Sports Club 