Iron Paws Rules

Classes: 3 teams make a pointed class

1 Dog Skijor (Skate or Classic)
2 Dog Skijor (Skate or Classic)
1 Dog Sled
2 Dog Sled
4 Dog Sled
3 Dog Skijor
Canicross
1 Dog Dryland *revised*
2 Dog Dryland *revised*
1-2 Dog Fatbikejor *revised*
4 Dog Dryland
6 Dog Sled
8 Dog Sled
Unlimited Sled (any team running more than 8 dogs over most of the season)

* Any class that does not have a minimum of three teams will be combined with the class of closest size and type.
* Number listed is the maximum number of dogs you can run per class

Awards:

All finishers will receive a medal.
The top finisher in the small teams (1-3 dogs) and large teams (4 or more dogs) will be added to the traveling plaque and remain in the winner's possession until the end of the next year’s event.
The top overall finisher’s name will be added to the Grand Champion traveling trophy and remain in the winner’s possession until the end of the next season’s event. Please note: because of the special nature of this award it cannot be shipped.
The top 3 finishers in each class will be recognized.
Participants showing the Best Sportsmanship and Most Improved will be recognized.
Dogs completing their third Iron Paws will be recognized with a Silver Bootie certificate.
Dogs completing their fifth Iron Paws will be recognized with a Golden Harness certificate.
The winning Region gets their name on the traveling award, and gains possession of the award until the following season.
The lowest scoring finisher will be recognized as the Red Lantern Winner.
All dogs ages 8-9 will be recognized as Trail Masters
All dogs 10 and over will be recognized as Trail Legends
All mushers over the age of 60 will be recognized as Master Mushers

Race Rule Overview:

Iron Paw Factory manages points only
Run your teams at your own risk. Mush responsibly with the best interest of your dogs in mind. Play fairly and respectfully. Helmets are recommended for all wheeled classes. Any participant who is found to be disrespectful of fellow competitors, or practicing reckless behavior, will be disqualified from competition with no refund of entrance fees.
Iron Paw Factory relies on the honor system. Play fair. Be honest
Teams can mix and match dogs. You can run any combination of dogs you like up to the maximum number allowable for your class.
Only one run per team, per day, can be counted for points.
Individual dogs may participate on more than one team, but each dog can only score in one run per day.
Each team's two lowest scores will be dropped.
Teams must run and report a minimum of one run of at least one mile each week for the stage to be considered completed.
Teams are allowed two bye weeks with a zero score.
Each stage will run Monday thru Sunday.
Scores must be submitted by 11:59 Tuesday evenings. If you have technical difficulties submitting your score, notify the Race Marshal before that time. Late scores will not be accepted.
Any and all complaints must be reported to your Regional Team Leader or the Race Marshal in a timely manner for consideration.

Earning Points

Mileage *revised for fatbikejor*

Mileage will only be considered for class awards, not for overall awards. Please remember, only 4 runs per stage count for points.

Skijor Classes: 1 point per mile for skijor or fat bike on snow, 1/2 point per mile for sled, snowshoe, canicross, bikejor, cart, or scooter.
1,2, and 4 Dog Sled Classes: 1 point per mile for sled, 1/2 point per mile for skijor, snowshoe, fatbikejor, cart, canicross, bikejor, or scooter.
6, 8, and Unlimited Sled Classes: *Revised* 1 point per mile for sled or cart, 1/2 point per mile for skijor, snowshoe, fatbikejor, canicross, bikejor, or scooter. *Revised*
Canicross Class 1 point per mile for canicross or snowshoe, 1/2 point per mile for skijor. Wheeled miles do not count in this class.
1 and 2 Dog Dryland Class: 1 point per mile for bikejor, 1.25 points per mile for scooter, cart, or canicross, 1/2 point per mile for skijor, fatbikejor, snowshoe, or sled
4 Dog Dryland Class: 1 point per mile for cart, scooter, bikejor, or canicross, 1/2 point per mile for skijor, fatbikejor, snowshoe, or sled
1-2 Dog Fatbikejor 1 point per mile for fatbike dryland, 1.5 points for fatbike snow, ice, or sand, 1/2 point per mile for snowshoe, canicross, skijor, or sled. Traditional bike, scooter, and cart miles will not be counted in this class

Photo/Video Points

Photos and videos must be posted to the Iron Paws Facebook page during the active stage.
1 point for one media post, 2 points for two media posts, and 5 points earned if you share a minimum of 3.

Run with A Friend

Run with a friend points must be earned outside of a Regional Group Run.

Earn 5 points for hitting the trail with a friend.
You may claim once per stage.
Your friend does not need to be an Iron Paws participant, but your friend must be mushing with you.

Regional Social Event

Each region may host social events. At least 5 participants must attend to score points.

5 points are earned per social for each musher and may be included in multiple teams.
Participants may attend up to 4 social events for points.
Only one social per stage may be claimed.
Socials must be announced on the Iron Paws Social Events page a minimum of one week prior to the scheduled date to count for points.
5 bonus points may be claimed one time only for attending a social in another region, for a maximum of 25 points total.

Regional Group Runs

Regional Leaders will schedule Two Regional Group Runs per region. Events will be scheduled in advance and announced during the first week of Iron Paws, but may occur at any time during the 9 stages. Events must be coordinated with the Race Marshal to avoid overlap of events in neighboring regions, and with sanctioned races. Prizes may be awarded, and 5 bonus points may be awarded per event at the discretion of the Regional Leader. Fun Runs must not be timed races.

20 points will be awarded per participating team.
Teams may claim a total of 4 Regional Group Runs over the nine stages.
Teams may claim a maximum of 2 Regional Group Runs per stage.
At least 5 Iron Paws Mushers must participate to score points.

Sanctioned Races

Each region may submit 1 sanctioned race. Depending upon the location of clusters of participants, remote sub regions will be determined. If you are determined to be in a remote region, you may submit up to 4 races (in advance of running) for points. This will offset lack of scoring opportunities at Regional Group Runs and Socials. Sanctioned races will be announced at the beginning of Iron Paws, or as soon as dates have been confirmed and released. Iron Paws will consider any race for points, provided the race is open to the public. Please contact the race marshal to add a race to the lineup.

Participants earn 15 points per race. Participants must complete both days to receive full points. Participants completing the course only one day will earn 5 points.
Racers must race in the closest race class to their Iron Paws Class to earn points. For instance, a 3 dog Iron Paws team must race in either the 2 dog or 4 dog class if no 3 dog class is offered.
Official Volunteers earn 10 points per day for a maximum of 20 points per race. Volunteers with more than one Iron Paws team may only claim points for one team per day.
Iron Paws Participants may participate and score points in as many sanctioned races as they like.

Timed Runs

Iron Paws participants who do not claim race points may score points in a timed run. Each Regional Leader will set a minimum of two courses per region. Courses will be in various locations and of various lengths, and both on snow and dryland, as to allow access by all participants of that region. Courses will be created and published to the Iron Paws Facebook page by the end of the first week of Iron Paws. Non-racing participants may time up to two different race courses.

5 points will be earned for the first timed run on a course. The first run must be scored in either of the first two stages.
5 points will be scored for the second run on a course. The second run must be scored in Stage 8 or Stage 9.
5 points will be scored for participants who beat their first time.

Iron Paws Howladays

Post Howladays to IP Facebook page, one post per team. 5 points each stage. Share your Howladays posts Monday - Thursday. Weekends are for running dogs!

Stage 1: Introduce yourself. Post photos and the story of your team to the Facebook Page.
Stage 2: One-eyed Jack's Virtual Poker Run. If you lose, Jack will make you walk the plank.
Stage 3: Popcorn Challenge. Can you beat your dog? Who can catch more, you or your dog? Post photos of your contest.
Stage 4: Heroes week. Feel free to interpret this however suits your fancy, and don't forget to share your vision.
Stage 5: Halfway There! You've been at it for more than 4 weeks already. Run extra miles, try a new more challenging trail, or do something to push your team to grow and develop. Share your results on our Facebook page.
Stage 6: Movie night! Cuddle on the couch with your best pal and take it easy before you tackle the remaining stages.
Stage 7: Valentine’s Day. Hand out Valentines at a group run, or a post a valentine to your dog’s Iron Paws sweetie.
Stage 8: Honor your Lead Dog. Share something special about your Lead Dog.
Stage 9: Sweet memories. Share your favorite photo and/or story from Iron Paws 2018.

Regional Team Points