North East Dryland Challenge 2026
Join us for the fourth running of the North East Dryland Challenge! This year’s race is sanctioned by the International Sled Dog Racing Association (ISDRA) and an accredited International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS) World Cup Race.
Howard Eaton Reservoir, 9843 Black Road, North East, PA
November 21-22, 2026
Saturday 11/21 - Driver’s Meeting at 8:00 a.m., Race Starts at 9:00 a.m.; Sunday 11/22 - Race starts at 8:00 a.m.
Event details can be found on the ISDRA event page.
Registration opens MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 at 8:00 p.m.
Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club membership is required to participate. Join on our membership page today!
Musher Info
Registration
ISDRA Rules will be the primary rule set used for this race. Please ensure you are familiar to the rules prior to racing. Click here to view the most up to date dryland rules.
PSDC membership is required for all participants. Visit our membership page to join today.
Entry fees are $45 (Pro & Registered Nordic Breed), $35 (Sportsman), $20 (Juniors), and $15 (Saturday Fun Run).
Registered Breed drivers must submit paperwork information on the PSDC Website by Monday, 11/16/26 at 11:59 p.m. EST for review by the Registered Breed Official. Registered Breed drivers who do not submit paperwork before the deadline will automatically race in the Pro/All Breed class. Paperwork should be readily available on race day for further review if requested. Dogs who have raced and been registered with PSDC from 2016-2026 do not need to be resubmitted. Registered Breeds must be AKC/CKC/UKC Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, or Samoyeds. No PAL Dog may run in the Registered Nordic Breed class grouping.
Entries close Monday, 11/16/26 at 11:59 p.m. EST. No late entries! No changes to registration will occur after registration closes. No refunds after registration closes.
In the event that the race is canceled, class registration and camping fees will be refunded except the processing fee.
All entries will be online via Runsignup by the stated deadline. No phone, email, social media, or fax entries will be accepted.
Food: We will have food on-site for lunch and coffee in the morning.
Event Photographer: The Spotted Tongue Photography will be back for another year as the official photographer of the race! Contact michelle@thespottedtongue.com for more information.
Driver's Meeting In Person
The Driver's Meeting will take place in the parking lot near the starting chute at 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The Race Marshal may call for a Sunday meeting if conditions require one to be held.
Start Times
The first class starts at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday (day 1) and 8:00 a.m. on Sunday (day 2). The class order is as follows:
6 Dog Rig
1 Dog Scooter
4 Dog Rig
Canicross (Men's, Women's, Junior)
Lunch Break & Peewee Dash (Saturday only)
2 Dog Bikejor
2 Dog Scooter
1 Dog Bikejor
Junior Wheeled Classes (Rig & 2 Wheeled-Bikejor/Scooter)
Fun Run (Saturday only)
Note: The race start time is subject to change due to the weather forecast. Any changes will be communicated via the email address provided on Runsignup and on the Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club Facebook page. You must run day 1 in order to run on day 2.
Trail
The trail is a 3.0 mile loop around the Eaton Reservoir. It is flat with minimal elevation gain. The trail surface is grass, dirt, and small sections of soft gravel/rock. One area of trail with large stone will be softened and covered. The trail is double track width or wider in all locations. All classes run the same trail.
Race Trail Preview - Note that the finish line is beyond where the video lists. You turn left onto the grass path that runs parallel to the road and finish just before it opens up into the big field.
Getting There
Address
9843 Black Road
North East, Pennsylvania
Directions
From I-90: Take exit 41 (North East) and turn left onto PA-89 S. Make another left onto Dam Site Road. Follow until the road ends, and make a right onto Black Road. The race site is on the left.
Google Maps Name: Eaton Reservoir Western Boat Ramp
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/oe5BqTEPC8dyyzr87
Parking
The main parking lot for racers is at the Eaton Reservoir Western Boat Ramp. The parking lot is paved with overflow parking permitted on grass. Please park in your same spot on both Day 1 and Day 2.
Parking will be tight. Please follow all instructions upon entering the race site and the parking map in the race booklet that will be sent to you via email prior to the race.
Spectators are asked to park at the designated location just before the finish line on the western side of the reservoir or at the Eastern Boat Ramp on the NY side of the reservoir for viewing teams at approximately the halfway point on the trail.
Spectators
Human spectators are welcome, but please keep your pets at home. Admission and parking is free.
Lodging
On Site
On-Site Camping
Primitive on-site camping is available. No electric or water. Please purchase on the Runsignup registration page. Camping will be at your parking space. Note that the main parking lot is paved with limited grass space available. NO CAMPFIRES!
Local Hotels
Holiday Inn Express & Suites in North East (closest to the race site) is NOT pet friendly in the hotel rooms. If staying there with a large vehicle with a trailer, please contact the front desk when making the registration for parking arrangements.
Pet Friendly Hotels in Erie - Please double check when making reservations to confirm pets.
-Econo Lodge (Exit 29) 814-299-4736
-Motel 6 (Exit 26) 814-868-0879
-Cobblestone (Harborcreek) 814-899-9099
-Courtyard By Marriott (Bayfront) 814-636-1005
-Red Roof Inn (Exit 26) 814-868-5246
-La Quinta Inn & Suites (Exit 26) 814-864-1812
-Quality Inn (Casino Exit 26) 814-864-4911
-Days Inn (Exit 26) 814-616-2916
-Sheraton Erie Bayfront 814-454-2005
-Cobblestone (Erie Bayfront) 814-455-1010
-Microtel Inn & Suites-(Exit 24) 814-841-1556
-Hawthorn Suites (Exit 24) 814-315-2589
-Homewood Suites (Exit 24 near Mall) 814-866-8292
-Fairfield Inn (Exit 24 near Mall) 814-868-0985
-Home 2 Suites by Hilton (Exit 24) 814-315-4325
-Townplace Suite -(Exit 24 Near Mall) - 814-866-7100
-Candlewood Suites-(Exit 24 Near Mall) 814-866-4755
Dunkirk, NY Pet Friendly Hotels
-Best Western - 716-366-7100
-Quality Inn - 716-672-4450
As always, please respect and follow all hotel regulations. We want to be welcomed back by the local community in the future.
Race Officials
Primary Contact Ronald Klepadlo
Chief Judge Tabetha Kopta (Chute Judge)
Trail Boss Ryan Benner
Chief Timer John Gates
Registered Breed Official Ronald Klepadlo
On-Call Veterinarian Animal Kingdom Pet Hospital