Spring is round the corner together with extreme dog races. What can we look forward to this year? And what is this dog sport all about?
Extreme Dog Race, Hard Dog Race Base, Dirty Dog Challenge... These are only a few of the many dog sports events that are relatively popular in the Czech Republic and that - as their names suggest - are characterised by their physical demands on both the dog and his handler. They take place in a challenging terrain full of natural as well as artificial obstacles. Sweat, mud and especially adrenalin are their inseparable part and weather has no say on the day.
OCR, which in the community of extreme sports fans stands for obstacle course racing, is about overcoming obstacles on a set route. Based on the world-renowned Spartan Race, dog OCR races often combine obstacle run with overcoming difficult terrain - hills, water as well as mud. Even though the competitors are often professional mushers, participation is open to anyone. The main idea is to enjoy the free time and fun with your dog companion without injuries and trouble.
Overview of this year's events
The Dirty Dog Challenge offers several races both for individuals and teams. The first one has already taken place this February. You can put your strength to a test together with around a hundred competitors and their dog companions in May (14 May in Sokolov) and then every subsequent month until September 2022. Participation in the entire obstacle race series is not compulsory, you can challenge yourself in the mountainous and water terrain with just a single race. However, it is definitely good not to underestimate the training and start as soon as possible.
The Extreme Dog Race is proud to be labeled "the first dog race" under the auspices of the Czech Obstacle Racing Association here in the Czech Republic. This year's race is organised for 19 November 2022 and will take place at the legendary Velká Pardubická steeplechase racetrack. The EDR, as well as the Dirty Dog Challenge, offers a series of races that precede the climax of the steeplechase. The first challenge takes place in May at the premises of the former military complex in Milovice. The event is called Military Tankodrom Milovice on 21 May.
Hard Dog Race Base with their motto "Six legs, two hearts, one victory" will traditionally take place towards the end of the year in Hynčice pod Sušinou on a 6 km-long track featuring 16 obstacles. Although this year's race hasn't been officially announced by the organisers yet, it is more than probable that you can look forward to it this November. But Hard Dog Race also offers other events - from cross-country running to mud race, to the proper wilderness on a 22 km-long track. The HDR races take place not only in the Czech Republic but also in Hungary or Poland.
There is no better way to strengthen the relationship with your furry friend than in a proper challenge. :)
In terms of winter mushing events, 2022 is going to be very busy! If you are as mad about this sport as we are, get your diaries ready so you don't miss out on any of the upcoming events. What can you look forward to in the world of mushing?
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