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Please join us for ECTA's for our 4th annual Tails for the Trails, a 5k casual Canicross! Whether you and your canine partner are beginners or experienced Canicross runners this is an event for you.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
9:40 am Runner's Meeting /10:00 am Race Start
Pipestave Hill Recreation Area, West Newbury, MA
Registration fees: $25 ECTA members; $35 non-members
RAIN OR SHINE!
Registration will be available on the morning of the event 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM closing PROMPTLY at 9:30 AM.
Same day registration fees: $30 ECTA members; $40 non-members
Divisions: Men; Women; Non-binary; Youth (15 and under).
Prizes: Top 3 finishers in each division.
5k Course Map: Our map (below) is also available on Avenza Maps gps enabled! Get the avenzamaps.com app and download the "ECTA Tails for the Trails 5k" map. More detailed instructions on using Avenza can be found on our website HERE.
Packet Pick-up: at Registration table morning of event starting at 8:00 AM. Please leave your dog in the car and pick-up at the registration table before 9:45 AM!
NO DOGS at the registration table please.
Parking and race start: Plenty of parking at Pipestave (693 Main Street West Newbury, MA). NEW REGISTRAION CLOSES at 9:30 - 30 minutes before start! Online registration packet pick-up at registration table closes at 9:45.
Sweet Paws Rescue: Looking for your new running partner? Sweet Paws Rescue will be on site at this event for an available dog Meet & Greet! Check out available dogs at Sweet Paws Rescue https://www.sweetpawsrescue.org/. Be sure to fill out an application online through their website to enable adoption.
New to canicross? Canicross is the sport of cross country running with dogs. Originating as off-season training for the dog sled community, it has become popular as a stand-alone sport. To get started with canicross, all you need are a canicross harness, a bungee line and a canicross belt.
NEED GEAR? Check out Alpine Outfitters online!
Equipment
- Harness for dog
- Bungee leash (6ft long max)
- Human belt
Rules
1. One dog per runner.
2. Dogs must be attached to their runner at all times via a secure waist belt leash.
3. Leashes should be no longer than 6ft long – no retractable leashes allowed.
4. Dogs must be wearing a comfortably fitting harness where the attachment point is NOT the collar/neck.
5. No dragging, pulling of your dog - though they can pull you! Let your dog determine the pace.
6. Dog waste must be picked up in a disposable bag and placed in a trashcan at the water stop or start/finish area or in designated areas along the course. Failure to clean up after your dog will result in disqualification.
7. Please move to the side if another dog and runner wish to pass. Hold your dog close to you to minimize the risk of tripping other participants.
8. Make sure your dog is adequately trained for a 5k race. Keep your dog well hydrated before and after the event.
9. Dogs must be up to date with rabies vaccination.
10. Please do not leave dogs unattended and make every effort to keep your dog, other participants, and spectators safe at this event! Your dog is your responsibility.
11. Know your dog! Some dogs do well in high-energy settings with many other people and dogs, others do not. Make the right choice for your dog so they can be set up for success! Sometimes the right choice is leaving your dog at home.
12. Human – dog teams should keep their space at the start.
