Virtual Racing - What is the New Normal?

COVID-19 has changed the way we do many things including putting a damper on our spring racing schedule. That being said, we absolutely feel that the health and safety of those we love comes first, and respect the decisions race directors around the world are having to make at this time. As race directors ourselves, we had to cancel the Havin' A Crappie Weekend Outdoor Festival event we host at Stockton State Park each spring, and that was a hard pill to swallow. We know how much time and effort goes into a successful event, and we know it's more than a hobby. It's a passion. 

As races were cancelled for the spring, we started to notice several virtual races popping up. This seemed like a cool way to stay motivated as well as connect with athletes around the world.

First we participated in a virtual race organized by Canicross Crazy Dogs. ​Nick and Anarchy ran Men’s Canicross (2k), Nick and Anarchy placed 9th out of 96 with a time of 5:32. 
Joy and Oso ran Women’s Canicross (2k). Joy and Oso placed 33rd out of 158 with a time of 7:14.
For the men and women’s canicross, it was a little warm and the course we chose was a bit technical. It was a great chance for us to work with the dogs on tight corners, different terrain/scenery, and passing.

Nick and Pharaoh were part of a canicross/bike/scooter relay team (1k for each). 
Nick and Pharaoh had a great relay team, and they placed 14th out of 28 with a 2:36 canicross split and an overall time with the team of 7:28. Thanks to Mandy Collins and Marie Ralff for being great teammates!

We had such a good time with this, we decided to see what else was out there. The following weekend we participated in two virtual races. 
The first was for little Leo Tracz to have a much needed medical surgery . The second was hosted by Seppala Mushing and our friends in Colombia .
Nick and Pharaoh celebrated Pharaoh’s 2nd birthday by running a 5k PR of 14:21. Happy Birthday, Pharaoh!
Nick and Anarchy followed that with a 2k race in 5:18 which was an improvement upon their time from the previous week.
Joy and Oso raced the 2k with a time of 6:44, which was also an improvement of about 30 seconds!

This weekend we participated in the LightCross Virtual Race.
Nick and Anarchy ran the 2k with a time of 5:06 which was an improvement upon their times from the last two virtual races this month.

Joy and Oso also ran the 2k with a time of 6:34 also improving on their times from the last two virtual races. They also ran their fastest 1 mile time together (5:18)!

Nick & Pharaoh participated in a virtual relay and ran the 1k canicross leg in 2:36. Their team also had a bikejor and scooter leg with a total time of 6:42.

We have enjoyed the camaraderie, motivation, and fun these races have provided, and are grateful to the organizers of each. As long as the weather cooperates, we have a few more on our calendar as well. 
If you are interested in joining us for more virtual races you can do with your dog, check out the activity calendar thanks to Non-stop dogwear.
https://www.nonstopdogwear.com/en-int/activity-calendar/

​As we think about the future of racing, we are curious what the "new normal" will be. What changes will come out of this time? What changes will be made to race rules? We are prepared for things to change, and look forward to being a positive part of whatever is next in dog powered sports. 

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5k PR!