The dogs are ready, the wheeled, non-motorized vehicles are prepared – and it's finally time for the first dryland dog race of the season.

This Sunday the Chocolate Claim Hot Hounds Dust Eatin' Derby will take off from Icy Waters at kilometre 4.2 on the Fish Lake Road.

It's expected to be a dusty, rock-throwing adventure.

This will be the first race of the season, and will feature four different races; a one mile, one pet dog race; one mile, one sled dog race; two mile, two sled dog race and one mile canicross.

Entry will be $10, and the races will start at 6 p.m. to beat the heat. All money raised will go towards the Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister league's annual poker run in the winter.

Hot Hounds veteran Jonathon Lucas recommends wearing face and body protection, along with the mandatory helmet.

"I will be wearing full body armor,” he said.

After testing the course in the past few weeks, Lucas said he has taken a few rocks to his face, and definitely recommends some sort of eye protection.

A new format for the canicross race will see groups of two teams heading out at the same time, with a 30 second interval between each team. Lucas said this will mean excitement for spectators and racers.

"(It) will lead to a lot of passing and a lot of excitement,” he said.

It also means that depending on the number of entries, all of the teams could be on the course at once.

"We're hoping to get everyone out at the same time,” Lucas said.

There is no limit to the amount of dogs that can be used in the canicross.

For the Hot Hounds races, wheeled, non-motorized vehicles are allowed such as bikes and scooters.

The race is hosted in conjunction with the Friends of McIntyre Creek and the Yukon Fish and Game Association, to help show one of the many uses for the Copper Haul Trail to raise awareness for why it should be protected.

A barbecue will follow the action in the Icy Waters Ltd. parking lot.

"Everyone's welcome,” Lucas said.

Prizes are being contributed by the Chocolate Claim, Aurora Booties, C&D Feeds and Icy Waters Ltd.

In other dog sledding news, Lucas said Lotteries Yukon has stepped up to help fund the second edition of the Road Runner dog sled race, after organizers reported a loss for the inaugural year.

Lotteries Yukon will contribute $4,900 to help purchase trail markers, fund trail work and more.

"That's just a really good bit of news and encouragement,” Lucas said.

The mid-distance Road Runner left from Shipyards Park during Rendezvous this year, and Lucas said they hope to make the race longer for 2011.

Yukon Brewing has also announced they will support season five of the Copper Haul Twister League, for their fifth year of funding for the winter dog sled racing league.

For more information visit the Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister League's blog at www.copperhaultwister.blogspot.com