UK9 Thetford New Year Race

Thetford Forest isn’t just a haven for walkers and wildlife, it’s also a key venue for sled dog racing in the UK. Its vast 18,730 hectares of forest tracks, heathland, and shaded pine trails create ideal conditions for dryland sled dog events, where teams of huskies and other sled dog breeds race on wheeled rigs rather than snow.

Events held here attract competitors from across the UK and Europe. The forest’s well-maintained trail network and natural terrain provide a safe, exciting, and scenic environment for both competitive racing and recreational mushing.

During race weekends, visitors can expect to see everything from elite sprint teams to junior and novice classes, as well as opportunities to learn more about the sport, meet mushers, and experience the unique bond between humans and their dogs.

As with all events in Thetford Forest, marshals and safety signage are in place to ensure a smooth and responsible experience for everyone involved.

Elveden Forest in Suffolk forms part of the larger Breckland landscape, combining commercial forestry, sandy heath, and agricultural land. Managed by Forestry England and private estates, the area includes long, straight forestry roads typical of the region’s conifer plantations.

Terrain is mostly flat, shaped by the sandy soils of the Brecks. Surfaces are firm forestry aggregate with some naturally sandy stretches.