A. Entry information for the Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race
  1. 12-dog Mid-Distance Class 200 miles 
      8-dog Mid-Distance Class 100 miles 
      6-dog Spring Class 62 miles

  2. Receipt of the entry fee will constitute the musher's intent to enter the race and further acknowledges that the musher agrees to comply with each and every rule as stated. 
  3. Starting positions for the race will be determined by a drawing after the musher's meeting. Order of the drawing will be determined by receipt of the entry fee (postmarked date). 
  4. Eagle Cap Extreme (ECX) reserves the right to reject an entry.

B. Musher
  1. The musher starting at the beginning of the race shall drive the team throughout the race.
  2. A musher must be 18 years of age or older. (An experienced musher of 16 or 17 years of age may apply to enter the race in writing to waive the minimum age rule. Application must include number of years of experience, references from at least two veteran long distance mushers and written consent from parent or guardian.) 
  3. There will be one musher per team. 
  4. Each musher must have their own vehicle driver/handler. 

C. Musher's Meeting 
All mushers must attend the mandatory musher's meeting. Meeting time and location will be announced 

D. Musher Conduct 
  1. All mushers shall be responsible for the conduct of their dogs, crew, and themselves when in the race area or on the trail. 
  2. Common sense and good sportsmanship shall prevail. All mushers must use civil conduct and act in a sportsmanlike manner throughout the race. Abusive treatment of any person or animals is prohibited. Conduct yourself well enough that the next driver will be welcomed with equal hospitality. If the race marshal determines that driver, handler, or team conduct at any time in the race or on the trail is detrimental to the sport/race, that team may be disqualified. 

E. Dogs 
  1. It is the intent of this race, its officials, sponsors, and supporters, that dog care be the most important aspect of the race. 
  2. Minimum allowable dogs: 
    a. Twelve (12) dog class shall consist of not more than twelve (12) dogs, with the minimum number to start being eight (8). 
    b. Eight (8) dog class shall consist of not more than eight (8) dogs, with the minimum number to start being seven (7). 
    c. Six (6) dog class shall consist of not more than six (6) dogs, with the minimum number to start being fice (5).

    d. The minimum number of dogs for all classes to finish is five (5). All five (5) must be in harness and in line. 

  3. These races stress dog care and we don't expect the musher to push dogs beyond their limits. 
  4. Cruel and inhumane treatment of dogs is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification and a letter sent to other race giving organizations, both sprint and distance. Cruel and inhumane treatment involves any action or inaction that causes preventable pain or suffering to a dog. 
  5. Expired dogs must be covered totally when being carried on the sled. Any dog that expires during the race for any reason must be taken to the nearest race official. A necropsy may be performed at the driver's expense. The death of a dog may result in the disqualification of a driver. 
  6. A musher may not allow any of his/her dogs to be hauled by another team. 
  7. A musher's dog hauled in the sled must be hauled in a humane fashion. 
  8. There will be no loose leaders or dogs; all dogs must be in the team or on the sled. 

F. Vet Check 
There will be a vet check for all teams prior to the start of the race and there will be a veterinarian available during the race. The Race Marshal may withdraw a dog for cause.

G. Vaccinations
All dogs entered in the race must have current parvo and distemper vaccinations given within the last 12 months. Rabies vaccinations must be current for the state of residence and be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Owners who self vaccinate with the annual combo (distemper and parvo) may submit invoices indicating purchase of required vaccine. Musher must provide proof of all vaccinations. 

H. Drugs 
  1. The intent of the rules concerning the use of any medications, that all competing dogs are racing in a state of acceptable normal health with natural ability. This is to insure the safety, health, and well being of the dogs. 
  2. No injectable, oral or topical drug which may suppress the signs of illness or injury may be used on a dog. No drugs or other artificial means may be used to drive a dog or cause a dog to perform beyond its natural ability. A musher may not use injections on their dogs. 
  3. The following drugs are prohibited: 
      -- Analgesics (prescriptive or non-prescriptive) 
      -- Anti-inflammatory drugs, including but not limited to: 
Corticosteroids (The use of Corticosteroid ointment on the feet is allowed. Steroid preparations are detrimental if splits, wounds or infection are present.) 
Non-Steroidal agents (e.g., Antiprostaglandins, Salicylates, etc.) 
      -- DMSO 
      -- Central Nervous System Stimulants 
      -- Central Nervous System Depressants 
      -- Cough Suppressants 
      -- Anesthetics 
      -- Diuretics 
      -- Anabolic Steroids 
      -- Muscle Relaxants 
      -- Injectable Anticolinergics 
      -- Antihistamines 
4. Dogs are subject to the collection of urine or blood samples, at the discretion of the Race Veterinarian, at any point from the pre-race examination until two (2) hours after the teams cross the finish line. The musher or handler will remain with the dogs. All samples will be sealed and signed for before the tests are considered complete. 
A musher/handler must assist the Race Veterinarian in collecting samples whenever requested. If blood or urine testing of a dog reveals any of the prohibitive drugs in the dog, this rule has been violated regardless of when such drug was administered to the dog. 
The use of Megesterol acetate (Ovaban) or Mibolerone (Cheque Drops) as an estrus suppressant is permitted. 
The practice of blood doping, i.e., injection of whole blood, blood products or any blood substitutes is prohibited. 
The Race Veterinarian may utilize any of the listed drugs or other prohibited drugs necessary to maintain a dog’s health; however, such dogs will be withdrawn from the race. 

I. Equipment 
  1. All harnesses shall be padded around the neck and chest areas. 
  2. All dogs shall be harnessed in single or double file. 
  3. Some type of sled shall be drawn. 
  4. A sled shall be equipped with an adequate brake, brushbow, snowhook, and snubline. 
  5. A sled dog bag capable of safely restraining a struggling or severely injured dog is required. Sled and sled bag shall be large enough to contain all required equipment in addition to hauling an injured dog. If you have questions about this, contact the Race Marshal. 

J. Mandatory Gear in Sled, 100 & 200 Mile Race 
  1. Mandatory equipment must be in the sled at the start, layover or turn-around and at the finish line. 
  2. Equipment shall consist of: 
    a) Arctic Parka 
    b) Proper cold-weather sleeping bag; minimum weight 4.4 pounds, rated zero (0) degrees Fahrenheit, equivalent to minus twenty (20) degrees Celsius. 
    c) A usable three (3) gallon cooker and appropriate amount of fuel. 
    d) Ax with head weight 1.5 pounds minimum and a handle to be at least twenty-two (22) inches long. 
    e) Two (2) working headlamps. 
    f) Ganglines must be made of cable or have cable core. 
    g) Cable cutters. 
    h) Any promotional materials provided by the ECX. 
    i) A veterinary book may be provided by the ECX. 
    j) Knife 
    k) Two (2) full sets of booties for each dog either on the sled or being worn by dogs. 
    l) First-Aid kit (to consist of ace bandage, pressure dressing and tape) 
    m) Waterproof matches or lighter. 
    n) Snowshoes

Jb. Mandatory Gear, 62 Mile Race
a) Adequate cold weather coat/parka
b) Vet Book
c) Knife
d) Working head lamp (recommend 2)
e) First aid kitTwo (2) full set dog booties. on or in sled
f) Promotion material if provided

Highly recommended:
Cable gang lines and cable cutters

K. Mandatory Food 
  1. One pound for each dog in the team (must leave the start with this on the sled). This should be considered only as a bare minimum. (Bad weather and common sense will dictate when additional food should be 
packed). Littering the trail is prohibited. Dumping food to lighten the load after leaving the check point is prohibited. 
  2. One days ration for the musher. 

SECTION II THE RACE 

A. Start 
  1. All mushers and team trucks must be in the official start parking area at a specified time to be announced at the musher's meeting. At this time, each participant's sled and mandatory equipment must be ready and available for inspections. 
  2. All mushers and dogs will be required to take part in pre-race ceremonies and photo session. 
  3. Common start time/differential allotment. The race will be a common start event. Teams will leave the start at 2-minute intervals. A team unable to leave at its specified time will depart after the last team leaves and will observe the specified interval between teams. Any musher who cannot leave the starting line within 10 minutes of the last team's departure will be disqualified unless extenuating circumstances prevail. 
  4. Time differentials will be adjusted at the first checkpoint. 
  5. Handlers: Handlers will be allowed at the start of race only, to assist team and musher. After race start, handlers will not be allowed to assist mushers and teams during the running of the race.

B. Finish 
  1. The nose of the first dog crossing the finish line signals a team's official finish. In the event that the musher is not with the team when it finishes, the finish time will be officially recorded when the musher crosses the line after the team. 
  2. Mushers must make a sincere effort to continue in the race in a timely manner or they will be disqualified. 

C. Checkpoint/Mandatory Layover 
  1. Each musher must sign in and out of all checkpoints. 
  2. There are mandatory layovers for each distance team (100 mile and 200 mile) during the ECX: 
    a) Twelve (12) dog 200 class - mandatory six (6) hour layover at the Ollokot Checkpoint at the approximate halfway point of the race. If you wish to stay longer, you may do so. 
    b) Eight (8) dog 100 class - mandatory six (6) hour layover at the Ollokot Checkpoint at the approximate halfway point of the race. If you wish to stay longer, you may do so. 
  3. Each musher must leave each checkpoint with mandatory gear in sled. Equipment must be checked by checkpoint official. 
  4. During the race, no outside assistance is allowed except for that offered by ECX. 
  5. If a musher enters the checkpoint with fewer dogs than he or she started with in the team or in sled, that musher will be disqualified. 
  6. Mushers may help each other at checkpoint camp spot. Example: one musher may watch two teams while the other goes for water. 
  7. Boisterous behavior on the part of any musher around other resting teams is strictly prohibited. 

D. Running the Course 
  1. The ECX is a guest on land of the United States Forest Service and private landowners. In light of this fact, mushers will conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and will at no time demand "rights" to the trail. 

  2. Passing: 
    a) When overtaking another team, the musher shall call "trail." The overtaken team must relinquish the trail and assist the passing team when necessary. 
    b) When neither of two teams is able to pull away from the other, the mushers shall mutually decide on the appropriate team to lead out. 
    c) In a head-on passing situation, the homeward bound team has the right-of-way, and the outward-bound team must relinquish the trail. The exception is when the outward-bound team is moving downhill, in which case, the outward-bound team has the right-of-way. 
    d) No Man’s Land: no calling of "trail" in No Mans Land. No Man’s Land will be announced at 
the drivers meeting. 

  3. Lost team: 
    a) In the case of a lost team, the team will not be disqualified if the musher regains control of the team, provided that the team and musher complete the entire race trail and comply with in the rules, including checkpoint requirements. 
    b) All teams must follow the trail as marked. As long as the team and musher continue on the trail when separated, the musher may continue after regaining control. 
    c) A musher may receive any assistance from anyone in recovering their team. 
    d) Teams inadvertently leaving the course must regain the course at the point at which it was left. 

  4. Safety: 
    a) It is the musher's responsibility to check for traffic at road crossings. 
    b) Be cautious when overtaking, encountering, or being overtaken by snow machines. Always use your headlamp to signal snow machines during night travel. 
    c) In the case of an emergency or an unmanageable team, outside assistance may be accepted 
without penalty. All situations will be reported by the musher at the next check point. 

  5. Stopping on the trail: 
    a) When stopped on the trail, adequate room must be allowed for teams to get past and assistance given, if necessary. Every effort should be made to get completely off the trail while stopped. 
    b) If snacking, watering, or feeding on the trail, the team must be completely off the trail, if at all possible. An honest effort should be made to keep the trail clean of food or debris. 
    c) Pack out all garbage. Littering is prohibited. 

  6. Numbered bibs, if supplied, will be worn at the start, finish, entering, and leaving each checkpoint. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in time and/or monetary penalties. 

  7. Drivers wishing to scratch from the race may do so by notifying the checker or Race Marshal and signing an official scratch form. Drivers are responsible for retrieving personal gear. 

 

  8.  Dogs may only be dropped at official check points. Each dog must be left with a food/water bowl, 2 days food and a cable or chain drop line.

E. Weather and Trail Conditions 
  1. The race will continue under all but the most severe trail and weather conditions. 
  2. Postponement or cancellation of the race will be made no less than (10) days prior to the start of the race.
  3. In the event of questionable trail conditions, the Race Marshal will decide which portion(s) of trail will be altered. 
  4. The Race Marshal is responsible for alteration of starting and/or finishing locations. 

SECTION III RACE OFFICIALS 

A. Race Marshal 
  1. The Race Marshal is in charge of all aspects of the race, from the vet checks/pre-race driver’s meeting to the awards presentation. The Race Marshal may impose, reduce or waive monetary or time penalties. 
  2. The Race Marshal shall have the authority to withdraw a team that is out of the competition and is no longer competitive. The Race Marshal also has the authority to withdraw a musher whose conduct, in the Race Marshal’s sole and exclusive judgment, constitutes an unreasonable risk of harm to either him/herself or other persons. 
  3. Failure of a musher to comply with the published rules may result in a monetary fine, time penalty or disqualification. In the event a fine is imposed, application to enter future runs will not be accepted until full payment is received by the ECX. Disqualified mushers will forfeit all placements. All decisions by the Race Marshal shall be final. 

B. Race Veterinarian 
  1. The Race Veterinarian is present throughout the run to monitor the health and welfare of all dogs, advise mushers in caring for their dog’s medical needs, and provide veterinary treatment for dropped dogs, if necessary. 
  2. The Race Veterinarian, in conjunction with the Race Marshal, shall have authority to hold a dog or dogs at any checkpoint for medical reasons. 
  3. The decision to remove a dog, dogs, or a team from the race shall be the responsibility of the Race Marshal in conjunction with the Race Veterinarian. 

SECTION IV PROTEST & HEARING 

A. Protests must be submitted in writing to the Race Marshal within one (1) hour of the protester's race finish and shall not be discussed with spectators, media representatives, or the general public prior to a decision being handed down. 

B. An official decision will be made by the Race Marshal following a hearing attended by all parties involved. 

SECTION V AWARDS PRESENTATION 

It is the desire of ECX Officials that all mushers finishing in the races be present at the awards ceremony. Absence may result in disqualification and/or forfeiture of winnings. 

Purse monies will be awarded only to participants who are designated official finishers of the ECX. 

SECTION VI CLAIMS 

Each musher is responsible for his/her own actions and the actions of his/her dogs and crew. The musher also agrees to release the sponsors, ECX, and their agents and employees, from any claim or demand resulting from injury to the musher, his/her dogs, property or the property of his/her crew. ECX has the unqualified and unrestricted authority to authorize the race sponsor(s) to photograph and otherwise collect information about the race and all participants therein and to use such photographs and information for advertising, public 
relations, or other publicity purposes. 

Every musher shall sign any and all documents as may be requested by ECX evidence the foregoing. These documents will be executed at the musher's meeting. Any musher who does not sign the documents requested by ECX Officials will not be allowed to participate in the race.