Not far from Smith Mountain Lake is a lovely little park in Franklin Co. called Waid Park. On Saturday, May the 10th there will be a wonderfully unusual event held at this scenic park.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office  invites you and your K-9 partner to participate in the Virginia Police Work Dog Association’s 10^thAnnual Iron Dog Challenge. The Iron Dog Challenge is a rugged 3 mile course carved through the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in scenic Waid Park  http://www.franklincountyva.org/parks/park_waid.htm located in Franklin County, Virginia. Handler and dog will run this course that has natural and man made obstacles, pistol shoot, water crossing, dog carry, and other endurance type tasks.  There will be a walk through and cook out on Friday, May 9th. 

Trophies and medals will be awarded for the following classes: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, 40 and Over, SAR, Heavy Weight (combined weight of handler/dog exceeds 300lbs.)

The host motel is the Holiday Inn Express / Rocky Mount. They are dog friendly and are offering a rate of $60.00 per night. . You must tell them you are with the “Drug dog Training” event to get that rate. The contact number is (540) 489-5001. You can check them out on the web at: www.holidayinn.com

Optional accommodations are available at Bernard’s Landing Resort and Conference Center on Smith Mountain Lake.   www.bernardslanding.com Ask for prices per night,  dogs are welcome, but must be crated in the buildings,  all condos are on the water.   You must ask for Lori Phillips and tell her you are with the Iron Dog. (800)572-2048 or (540)721-8870

This event is a great time for the whole family, so bring your fan club to cheer you on. There will be exhibits and venues for the kids. Once again, we will have door prizes and refreshments.

The registration fee is $40.00 per team. Please make checks payable to VPWDA. For a registration packet, or other information contact Sergeant Riley Hodges at: (540) 263-0062 cell,   (540)483-3000 work

Email- rileyhodges@franklincountyva.org

 Mail completed registration packets and fees to:

Iron Dog Challenge - attn: Sgt. Hodges

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

70 East Court Street, Suite 101

Rocky Mount, Va.   24151

Start times will be awarded in the order that registrations are received.

 You can register on the Virginia Police Work Dog Association Site where this information was taken from.