Grab Your Dog for Skijoring Championship

It may be the middle of summer, but for some, thoughts are already turning to the City of Lakes Loppet in February 2014 and its associated skijoring race. Summer registration for the skijoring competition ends Aug. 15, after which entry fees steadily increase to $20.

Wait—ski-what?

A Scandinavian invention, skiijoring is a mix between cross-country skiing and what happens when small humans take a big, excited dogs on walks. You strap your dog into a harness, the dog's leash to your waist. and yourself into a pair of cross-country skis. Then, the pair of you set out along a snow-covered path, your pooch helping to pull you along faster than you could go skiing by yourself.

The sport is popular enough in the Minneapolis area that the nearby Three Rivers Park District advertises skijoring on its skiing and snowmobiling trails.

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