Elite teams are invited to the North Woods
SNIFF-ATHLON at Camp Ihduhapi in Loretto, MN.
Come test your nose work skills in the rustic woods of Minnesota!
The Sniff-athlon is a fun, challenging test of nose work skill, endurance, and spirit for the Elite teams looking to hone their skills and team work. These searches will be designed by Jeff McMahon, one of the original nose work competitors, instructors, and certifying officials of the sport. The Sniff-athlon will consist of 8-10 varied and unique search challenges over 2 full days. Target odors will be birch, anise and clove with any combinations of the three. There will be an end of day walk-through and debrief of the search area to help uncover the mysteries of success and failure in each search.
Word Origin and History for SNIFF-ATHLON
noun. first used in 2018 in Minnesota, from sniff (relating to nose work) + Greek athlon "contest, prize," of uncertain origin. A modern Nose Work event consisting of scent challenges to build endurance and test the nose work skills and spirit of you and your canine partner.
The Sniff-athlon will take place at Camp Ihduhapi, which is about 20 miles west of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Located on the shores of Lake Independence, near Maple Plain, Minnesota; this beautiful camp encompasses the north shores of Lake Independence. Click on the word "map" to go to Google Maps and see the precise location and to get directions.
Accommodations & Meals
There will be no accommodations this year at camp, and if you live in the Twin Cities, you will be able to sleep in your own bed! (thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic) There is also websites such as Bring Fido or Air BnB or VRBO which may provide suitable accommodations. There is also Baker Park Reserve Camp Ground in the area that may be open for reservations. Lunch will be on your own, so please pack a lunch. and we may be able to coordinate a delivery for lunch from a local restaurant - but no promises on this.
SNIFF-ATHLON SCHEDULE
(may be adjusted as needed)
MONDAY:
8:30-11:30pm - - Search 1 & 2
12:00-1:00pm - - lunch break (BYOL)
1:30-4:00pm - - Search 3 & 4
4:00-5:30pm - - Debrief
TUESDAY:
8:30-11:00pm - - Search 5 & 6
11:30-12:30pm - - lunch break (BYOL)
1-3:30pm - - Search 7 & 8
4:00-5:30pm - - Debrief & Closing Remarks
ELIGIBILITY
This event is open to dog & handler teams who have earned the NACSW Elite title or equivalent in another scent detection organization by July 31, 2020.
One dog per handler. If handler has two equally titled/qualified dogs, handler may choose to run both dogs split between the two days, and scores will be kept separate from all other team's scores. Two dogs per handler will only be allowed if the event does not fill with single dog/handler teams.
In the event there are remaining spots, this event will be opened up to additional qualified teams who may be close but have not yet earned their Elite title.
NUMBER OF ENTRIES: 16-24 teams
COST
ENTRY FEES**
Each handler & dog team: $375.00
AUDITING SPOTS: $125/person
Auditing spots will be limited to 3 spots per day and with only one auditor present at each search area.
** All participants will be signing an electronic COVID-19 liability waiver 48 hours before the Sniff-athlon, confirming their health status.
REGISTRATION
Registration is now open for all NEW teams to the Sniff-athlon. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first served basis with a maximum of 24 teams accepted. A wait list will be maintained once all spots are filled. Registration is a two step process. Please click on the below image(s) to add Step One and/or Step Two to your cart, then proceed to checkout to pay & secure your spot.
Cancellations: Please note that all cancellations have been modified with COVID-19 considerations in mind. Any cancellations made before September 1, 2020 will receive a refund minus a $50 cancellation fee as long as your spot can be filled from the wait list. If your spot cannot be filled, then you will NOT receive a refund. Cancellations made after September 1, 2020 will receive a refund minus $50.00 cancellation fee, AS LONG AS YOUR SPOT CAN BE FILLED FROM THE WAIT LIST. IF YOUR SPOT CANNOT BE FILLED, THEN YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE YOUR MONEY BACK. If you are feeling sick with COVID-19 symptoms or had a positive test result for COVID-19, or been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 symptoms, please DO NOT attend and you will be refunded minus a $50.00 cancellation fee up through September 11, 2020. No part of the fee will be refunded if this event cannot take place or be completed by reason of fire, civil disturbances, an Act of God, public emergency, or any other cause beyond the control of the event organizers.