The Muddy Paw

About the Event

The Muddy Paw Canicross Race 2026 is a specialized trail running event held in Mono, Ontario, that focuses on the sport of canicross—cross-country running with dogs. Scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, the event is organized by Canadian Canicross Sports in partnership with the Orangeville SPCA to raise funds for animal rescue and rehabilitation.

Race Category	Start Details	Course Info
10k Canicross (1 or 2 Dog)	Waves start at 10:15 AM	2 loops of rolling hills; awards for top 3 finishers.
5k Canicross (1 or 2 Dog)	Waves after 10k start	1 loop through Monora Park; finisher medals included.
3k Fun Trek	After racing waves	Gentle walk/run; no specialized gear required.
Virtual 5k/10k	N/A	Available for Canadian residents unable to attend.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

-- Venue: Monora Park (500 Monora Park Drive, Mono, ON). The park features wide trails and rolling hills ideally suited for high-energy dog sports.
-- Mandatory Equipment: For the 5k and 10k races, dogs must wear a non-restrictive harness (Y-shape/X-back) that allows pulling. Runners must use a hands-free canicross belt. Equipment checks are mandatory before bib pickup.
-- Safety Protocols: The event follows a "No Greet" policy to minimize stress. Reactive dogs are required to wear a yellow pinny to signal other participants to maintain an 8-foot distance.
-- Race Timing: Timing is performed manually. Participants must ensure bibs are clearly visible on the front of their chests at the finish line.
-- Schedule: Race kit pickup and equipment checks occur from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The first racing waves depart at 10:15 AM in groups of up to six teams.
-- Fundraising: As of April 2026, the event has raised over CA$800 for the Orangeville SPCA. Participants can donate during registration or via the SPCA website for tax receipts.

Regional Context and Environment:

-- Location: Mono is a town in Dufferin County, part of the Greater Toronto Area's northern periphery, known for its significant portions of the Niagara Escarpment and natural landscapes.
-- Climate: Late May in Southern Ontario typically offers temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. Since canicross is physically demanding for dogs, the morning start is intended to avoid the peak heat of the day.
-- Environment: Monora Park is a 40-hectare natural area. While sections are reserved for the race, trails remain open to the public, requiring participants to stay alert for non-racing trail users and follow passing etiquette.
-- Passing Etiquette: Faster teams must alert those in front with phrases like "Trail Right" or "Passing on your Left" to ensure a safe transition for both humans and dogs.

The Muddy Paw Canicross Race 2026 offers a unique opportunity for athletic teams of humans and canines to compete in a safe, structured environment while supporting animal welfare in the Dufferin region.

Races Offered

10k Canicross Race

May 24, 2026

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Distance — 10K

terrain

Type — Running

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09:00

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$96.84

3K Fun Trek

May 24, 2026

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Distance — 3K

terrain

Type — Running

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09:00

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$69.02

5k Canicross Race

May 24, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

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09:00

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$91.28

Two Dog 10k Canicross Race

May 24, 2026

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Distance — 10K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

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$99.07

Two Dog 5k Canicross Race

May 24, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

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$93.50

Virtual 10k

May 24, 2026

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Distance — 10km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

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$52.33

Virtual 5k

May 24, 2026

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Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

$52.33

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Mono.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 7.3° / 17.6°

wb_sunny 3.6° / 14.6°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 13.2 /

water_drop 69.2%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 7.3° / 17.6°

wb_sunny 3.6° / 14.6°

air 13.2 km/h

water_drop 69.2%

About Mono

Learn more about the host city, Mono.

Mono is a town situated in south-central Ontario, Canada, at the south-east corner of Dufferin County. It stretches from Highway 9 along its southern border to Highway 89 along its northern border. Its border to the west is with the Township of Amaranth and in the east, it is bordered by the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio.