ISDRA

Sprint Sled

Speed Race Rules (English)

Last updated October 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

Sprint racing is done at a faster pace than mid-distance or distance racing. The teams run shorter distances over successive days, usually two or three, and finish at or near the same place they started.

ISDRA does not specify a minimum age for dogs to compete, however it is important to ensure your dog is appropriately conditioned to the mileage and trail conditions.

Clubs and race giving organizations may enforce age restrictions, please consult with the event’s race marshall for more information.

Only dogs who start the first heat or day of racing are eligible to participate in subsequent heats or days of an event. You may drop or remove a dog from a team as long as your team still meets minimum size requirements.

Team Size	Minimum Dogs	Maximum Dogs
Unlimited	First heat: 7 dogs Subsequent heat: 5 dogs	No max
10-Dog	First heat: 7 dogs Subsequent heat: 5 dogs	10 dogs
8-Dog	4 dogs	8 dogs
6-Dog	3 dogs	6 dogs
4-Dog	2 dogs	4 dogs
2-Dog	1 dog	2 dogs
1-Dog	1 dog	1 dog

Class	Minimum Trail Distance
Unlimited	10 miles up to and including New Year’s weekend, 12 miles after New Year’s weekend
10-Dog	10 miles
8-Dog	8 miles
6-Dog	6 miles
4-Dog	4 miles
3-Dog	3 miles
2-Dog	1 mile

All dogs shall be harnessed in single or double file. All dogs shall be fastened to the tug line by a neckline and tail line with the exception of the leader(s) who shall be harnessed in the team by a tail line but may run with or without a neckline. However, in the case of a trail with head on passing during any portion of the trail, dual leaders shall be fastened to each other with a neckline.

A snub line may be carried on the sled but it shall not be used in any manner other than to tie down and hold the sled.

A sled shall be capable of adequately carrying the driver and have a basket capable of carrying a dog. A sled shall be equipped with an adequate brake, brushbow and snowhook. It shall be equipped with a ventilated dog bag adequate for the safety of the dog, capable of restraining a struggling or incapacitated dog and covering a dog. No part of the dog should be able to extend beyond the bottom, sides or back of the basket. A minimum of 93.0 square inches (600sq. cm.) ventilation must be provided.

The following equipment is not allowed:

Muzzle
Full choke collars
Whips of any type

In races of more than one heat, each dog shall be marked for identification prior to the start of the first heat of the race. Dogs dropped from teams after the first heat of the race with more than two (2) heats, shall be marked a second time to indicate their disqualification from the team.

Unless otherwise specified by the Race Marshall prior to the start of the first heat of the event, any amount or type of assistance is allowed to a team prior to the actual starting time, but once a team's starting time has commenced, only the chute judge or officials designated to assist may help in the chute.

In the event of a tangle or a dogfight during a group start, unlimited help is allowed.