What is GNCTR?

Since 1975 engineering students from schools across North America have been competing in the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race (GNCTR). The student-run competition requires teams to design, build and race a concrete toboggan downhill in a series of events. In January of 2026, Guelph’s team of 25 dedicated members competed in the longstanding competition for the sixth time alongside 400+ students in London, Ontario. ​

Each team must construct a toboggan weighing less than 350 lbs that can safely carry 5 riders down the competition hill. The toboggan must also include steering and braking systems that meet the competition’s rigorous safety standards. Toboggans are judged on superstructure design, integration of theme, technical aspects, concrete mix and runner design, overall speed and various other performance metrics. ​

Not only does the GNCTR allow engineering students to learn both hands-on and soft skills, but it also provides another front to expose North America to Guelph’s Engineering program and its partners.  ​