In the Great Klondike International Outhouse Race teams of 5 will costume their outhouse as well as themselves and run a course that involves both hilarity and some serious racing!  A Dawson tradition since the 1970’s, the Outhouse Race began as a serious 5km race between distance runners.  Nowadays, all ages and running abilities are invited to participate in this Dawson City tradition.

The “outhouses” used are not typical outhouses- they are wheeled metal structures that resemble outdoor latrines.  They are outfitted with rickshaw-like bars to aid with pushing through the streets. Outhouses are available through the Klondike Visitors Association and can be rented for the day.

Teams and their outhouse dress up in a theme and give their best team cheer to the crowd. A team of judges will adjudicate based on their creativity, design, theme and team spirit.

Some great themes from the past years include: “Farts Canada” (a Parks Canada team), “The Smell of the Yukon” (a play on the popular Robert Service poem), “Dumped at the Altar” (a team of crying wedding clad runners) and the George Crap Fairies (a nod to the George Black Ferry)

After judging has completed, teams line up and the race is on. Teams follow a predetermined route which may involve some obstacles, scavenging, but definitely involve some speed defying outhouses.  The race will be about 2km in length and requires 1 team member to remain seated in the Outhouse at all times (you can trade off on who it is).

We invite you to come out and watch, or better yet, run in this hilarious and exciting afternoon!