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-Every Mile Matters-

Season One

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Every Mile Matters — Season One

MCCX’s First Adventure Challenge

Every Mile Matters is an 8-week virtual adventure challenge created to help our members spend more intentional time outdoors with their dogs while building fitness, confidence, teamwork, and community.

Whether you walk, hike, run, canicross, bikejor, kayak, train for obstacle races, or simply want more motivation to get outside with your dog, this challenge is designed for all experience levels.

This is not just about logging miles. It is about showing up, trying new things, encouraging one another, and building a stronger bond with your dog.

Every Mile Matters. Every Adventure Counts.

Challenge Dates

August 1 – September 26, 2026

The challenge will run for 8 weeks and end the week before Midwest Canine Obstacle. This allows us to celebrate the completion of the challenge together before those participating in the obstacle race head off for race weekend.

How It Works

Participants will be placed on balanced teams of three, with each team including a mix of experience levels.

Each team will have a Team Captain who helps collect weekly scores, submit team updates, and keep everyone motivated.

Participants earn points through team participation in Intentional Adventures and Weekly Adventure Challenges.

Intentional Adventures

Intentional Adventures are purposeful activities where you and your dog are physically active together.

Points are awarded as follows:

  • Distance-Based Adventures
    Walking, hiking, running, canicross, etc.
    1 point per mile

  • High-Speed Adventures
    Bikejoring, scootering, rig racing, etc.
    1 point per 5 miles

  • Time-Based Adventures
    Adventure training, yoga, kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.
    1 point per 45 minutes

Daily step totals do not count. Only intentional activities completed with your dog count toward challenge points.

Weekly Adventure Challenges

Each week includes one adventure skill or obstacle-style challenge. Participants complete the challenge on their own schedule and submit one short video or photo for bonus points.

Each weekly challenge submission earns 10 points.

  • Week 1: Water Confidence

    Submit a video of you swimming or safely entering water with your dog.

  • Week 2: Dog “Jump Up” Challenge

    Submit a video of your dog jumping onto an object on command.

  • Week 3: Hill Training

    Submit a video of you and your dog going up and down a large hill.

  • Week 4: Carrying Your Dog Safely

    Submit a video of you safely carrying your dog across a balance beam or similar safe obstacle.

  • Week 5: Army Crawl Challenge

    Submit a video of you army crawling under something with your dog.

  • Week 6: Canicross Teamwork & Commands Part 1

    Submit a video showing commands such as Line Out, Gee, Haw, Easy, or equivalent cues.

  • Week 7: Canicross Teamwork & Commands Part 2

    Submit a video showing passing skills, Easy, On By, or equivalent cues.

  • Week 8: Mini Obstacle Course Prep

    Submit a video completing a mini obstacle-style challenge.

These challenges are designed to help prepare those participating in Midwest Canine Obstacle while also building useful skills for everyone.

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LEADERBOARDS & AWARDS

We will have both individual and team leaderboards throughout the challenge.

Awards include:

  • Team Champion
    The team with the most points receives the Every Mile Matters Adventure Cup, a traveling trophy.

  • Individual Champion
    The individual with the most points receives the Season One Champion Award.

  • People’s Choice Dog Award
    Favorite participating dog, voted on through social media.

TEAM CAPTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Captains help keep their team connected, motivated, and having fun.

Captains are responsible for:

  • Encouraging teammates

  • Collecting weekly adventure totals

  • Submitting the team’s weekly score

  • Sharing one weekly team post with photos or video

  • Helping answer basic questions

  • Encouraging participation in weekly challenges

Most importantly, Team Captains help create a positive, supportive team environment.

REGISTRATION

Registration forEvery Mile Matters — Season One is $35 per participant.

Registration includes:

  • Team placement

  • Participation in the full 8-week challenge

  • Weekly Adventure Challenges

  • Individual and team leaderboards

  • Eligibility for awards and prizes

  • End-of-season celebration

OPTIONAL ADVENTURE PACK

Participants may also purchase the Every Mile Matters Adventure Pack for an additional $30.

The Adventure Pack includes:

  • Official Every Mile Matters Season One T-shirt

  • Every Mile Matters decal

  • Season One Finisher Patch, earned upon completing the challenge

Challenge Registration: $35
Challenge Registration + Adventure Pack: $65

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OFICIAL RULES

1. Eligibility

Participants must register before the challenge begins. All participants must complete activities with a dog and follow all MCCX safety rules, leash rules, and no-greet expectations.

2. Challenge Dates

The challenge begins August 1, 2026 and ends September 26, 2026. Only activities completed during the official challenge period count toward points.

3. Teams

Participants will be placed on balanced teams of three whenever possible. Teams will include a mix of experience levels. Team assignments will be finalized before the start of the challenge.

4. Scoring

Distance-Based Adventures earn 1 point per mile.
High-Speed Adventures earn 1 point per 5 miles.
Time-Based Adventures earn 1 point per 45 minutes.
Weekly Adventure Challenge submissions earn 10 points each.

5. What Counts as an Intentional Adventure

An Intentional Adventure must be a planned activity completed with your dog. Examples include walking, hiking, running, canicross, bikejoring, scootering, rig racing, kayaking, paddleboarding, yoga, or adventure training.

Daily step totals, errands, yard time, and incidental movement do not count.

6. Submissions

Participants will submit weekly totals to their Team Captain. Team Captains will submit official team scores by the weekly deadline.

Weekly challenge photos or videos must be submitted during the correct challenge week to earn bonus points.

7. Verification

This challenge is based on honesty, sportsmanship, and community trust. Participants may be asked to provide screenshots, activity logs, photos, or videos if clarification is needed.

8. Safety

Participants are responsible for choosing activities that are safe and appropriate for themselves and their dogs. Dogs should not be forced into obstacles, water, heights, or activities they are not ready for.

Handlers are responsible for their own dog’s behavior, leash control, and safe distance from other dogs and people.

9. Awards

Awards will be given for Team Champion, Individual Champion, and People’s Choice Dog. Additional recognition may be added at the organizer’s discretion.

10. Spirit of the Challenge

Every Mile Matters is meant to encourage adventure, consistency, confidence, and community. The goal is friendly competition, not pressure or perfection.

Every Mile Matters. Every Adventure Counts.