Announcement 

The sleddog  marathon is an one-day stage race in Schönwald in the south of Black Forest/ Germany. The race is contested in three classes over 6 km, 14 km and 34 km total distance - divided into 2 stages of 3 km, 7 km and 17 km each (variations depending on weather and snow conditions). It takes place on Sunday, 20.12.2025 (alternative dates are the following Saturdays: 17.1.2026, 14.2.2026).

Organizer/ trail boss: Florian Bachmann
Race director: Markus Luft
Vet: Dr. med. vet. Marianna Luft


Classes:
Sprint (2x3km): 2-4 dog class 
                            4-6 dog class
Sprint (2x7km):6-8 dog class
MD (2x17km): 5 - 8 dog class with sled (10 dog pool) 

The dogs must be at least 18 months old.



Race rules:
Based on the IFSS racing rules.

Additional rule:
„Head-on-head passing“: the oncoming teams both slow down. If neither of the leaddogs can maneuver their team to the other side of the trail, both teams must come to a stop. After a brief discussion between the mushers, one team starts, or both start together. Fairness and willingness to help are basic requirements for participation!


Programm:
Sunday, 20.12.2025 (alternative date: following Saturdays: 17.1.2026, 14.2.2026)

8:00 am: Arrival/ chains required on vehicle
8:00 am to 10:00 am: distribution of starting numbers, vet check!
10:00 am: musher meeting
11:00 am: start of the 1st stage 
1:00 pm: musher meeting
2:00 pm: start of the 2nd stage
„Musher dinner“ 1 hour after the last finish

Award ceremony


Faire play price: 150 €
Best dog care/ handling price: 150 €

Price money 
Sprint 2-4 dog class
1st place: 50 €; 2nd place: 25 €; 3rd place: non-cash price
Sprint 4-6 dog class
1st place: 75 €; 2nd place: 50 €; 3rd place: non-cash prize
Sprint 6-8 dog class
1st place: 100 €; 2nd place 75 €; 3rd place: non-cash price
MD 5-8 dog class (10 dog pool)
1st place: 175 €; 2nd place 150 €; 3rd place: non cash price

Fastest team in MD consisting of Nordic sleddog types such as Alaskan Husky, Siberian Husky etc.: 150 €

Race location-start, finish, stake-out: Furtwanger Str. 3, 78141 Schönwald, ore on top of „Escheck“ (if weather conditions are changing), Germany

Insurance/ vaccination/animal welfare relevant evidence:
Each participants confirms with their registration that they are taking part at their own risk and that they have sufficient insurance cover. The organizer assumes no liability. Every dog must be chipped and sufficiently vaccinated according to VDSV racing rules. Dogs, vaccination records and chip list and insurance cover and all other documents will be checked at the vet check/stake-out.

Registartion: 
No registration or entry fee!
E-mail to [email protected] : name, address of the musher, category + Nordic dog type (yes or no), total number of people, number and length of truck and trailer, number of all dogs taken along, mobile phone number.
Number of Teams: maximum 24

By registering, the participants grants the organizer the right to publish pictures, videos, sound recordings etc. of his participation in the race. The participant also allows the organiser to attach 2 banners to the sides of his sled.

Equipment:
Headlamp, sled with claw and mat + chain or chain brake system, sled bag with enough space for at least 1 dog, mobile phone, leash, 2 anchors, 4 booties for each dog,  helmet.

Miscellaneous:
On the trail head-on-head passings, consideration for cross-country skiers and hikers, road crossings. The trail is technically demanding. Take your own water from home: no water on the stake-out area!