Attention Iron Dogs! The 20th Annual Green Mountain Iron Dog will be taking place on Saturday, October 5, 2019. This is always a fun day for dogs and humans competing in this 1.5 mile obstacle/race that simulates what Police K9 Teams come across in their deployments. Taking place along the shores of Lake Champlain at Camp Dudley, in Colchester, VT, the Green Mountain Iron Dog is open civilians, Police, Military, children, and all dog breeds – proving any dog can be an Iron Dog! Last year over 150 teams competed in this fast pace event, making it a great day for spectators too!
Hosted by the Vermont Police Canine Association, the course is filled with challenges which in the past have included walls, tunnels, ramps, uneven terrain, water crossings, shooting (pellet guns), building searches, and more. The morning will be devoted to “Pro” runners, who are there to compete with themselves and other teams. The afternoon is “Open” for less intense teams, and for those interested in doing something fun and challenging with their dog. The afternoon run will still be timed, and on the same course as the professional competitors. There is also a “Junior” category for 7 to 13 year olds, which will be on the same course as the adults. Please note all Junior competitors must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older, but the adult is not required to do the obstacles. There will also be separate competitions for building and drug searches (certified K9s only), as well as a 100 yard dash (dogs only). Think of it as a dog agility course combined with an obstacle course for humans. It’s similar to a Tough Mudder or a Spartan, but for dogs and humans!
Pre-registration is required for those competing in the Pro category, and strongly encouraged for everyone else. The Open and Junior groups will also be accepting registrations on the day of the event starting at 12 Noon. If you are planning to run with more than one dog, you need to register twice but only pay once. New this year they have added a Virtual Iron Dog category. Virtual Iron Dog Registration is for participants who are unable to run/attend Iron Dog, however want to make a difference with a donation. They will receive a medal and limited edition iron dog t-shirt. Also in celebration of the 20th anniversary, for this year only the official Green Mountain Iron Dog t-shirts will be a handmade tie dye shirt. The t-shirt is free with all registrations, or for $20 more you can receive a wicking tie dye shirt.
Proceeds from this event to benefit the Vermont Police Canine Association. The VPCA is a nonprofit corporation that supports Vermont’s Police K9 teams with additional training, equipment and other needs. They have over 40 members in all branches of law enforcement, and work with teams around New England.
Come on out to compete, try something new with your dog, or simply cheer on the racers. As we proved with our Lemmy many years ago, any dog can be an Iron Dog! For more information or to register, please visit Green Mountain Iron Dog. There you can find photos from last year’s competition. Also be sure to follow them on Facebook for all the latest updates on the 2019 Green Mountain Iron Dog.
