Location Info
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.
Course Description
Mainly flat with surfaces of mostly grass or packed sand with some stretches of loose stone and flints. Dog boots should not be needed for fit feet. There are ample parking facilities within a very short distance of the start and finish areas. Competitor and spectator’s parking areas will be signposted, please follow the relevant signs.
Directions
From London:
Take the M11 to Junction 9, then the A11 towards Newmarket. Continue on the A11 until you reach the Barton Mills/Mildenhall roundabout. Take the A1065 (signposted to Brandon) past Lakenheath Air Force base. The entrance to the site will be clearly marked on your right hand side approximately 1 mile befoe reaching Brandon.
From Brandon:
Take the A1065 Brandon to Newmarket road. The entrance to the race site will be clearly marked on your left hand side approximately 1 mile after leaving Brandon.
BSSF
The British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF) stands as the UK’s premier organization for advancing sled dog sports both domestically and internationally. Founded by athletes from various disciplines, the organization promotes sled dog racing while maintaining high standards of animal welfare. As a full member of the International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS), the BSSF facilitates UK teams’ participation in European and World events while working with organizations to host competitions and provide training programs.
The sport of canicross emerged through the skijor community as athletes sought to maintain their dogs’ fitness during snowless months. The inaugural UK race in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, organized by Nicky & Iain Hutchinson and Matt Hammersley, attracted more than 25 competitors across Canicross, Scooter, and Bikejor categories. The sport has since flourished, with some races drawing over one hundred participants.
The BSSF’s commitment to inclusivity supports all levels of participation, from beginners to elite athletes. Newcomers require basic equipment: a dog running belt, a sprung lead measuring 1-2 meters, and an appropriate working harness. Through their mapping system, interested participants can locate local clubs and begin their journey in sled dog sports, starting with short runs and basic directional training.
Start Date
End Date
Event Length
Upcoming BSSF events
December 2026
BSSF Round 1
Sat 5th Dec '26- Sun 6th Dec '26
January 2027
BSSF Round 2
Sat 23rd Jan '27- Sun 24th Jan '27
