Canicross
The 2nd most asked question is “can I run with my dog?” (the first most asked is, “do you do any events at weekends?”). The answer to that question, in some cases, is now yes! We will begin to allow responsible dog owners to run with their dogs.
This will be a trial to start with, it’s new for us and there are lots of factors at play for this to work. We are really pleased with the experience we offer to our runners and are hesitant to do anything to reduce that. We’re hoping that having cani-x will actually enhance the experience for all, even those without the dogs. However for that to be the case there will be some rules we’re asking you to follow. you may think they’re unnecessary or a bit over-zealous but this is how we’re looking to approach it. By all means give us feedback if you aren’t happy with them but we’d ask you to not enter if you aren’t able to meet our requests.
General rules
We will label events that are canicross friendly as such. We have some venues where the ground conditions are not suitable or appropriate for dogs to be running on for extended periods. Some may have livestock in sections of the route. We may also have some landowners who have asked us to not accept dogs for their own reasons. Please do not turn up to an event with your dog unless you have a canicross entry. If you have already entered and want to switch to a canicross entry just send us an email to switch.
We will only allow canicross at events in the cooler months. We also reserve the right to cancel the canicross element of an event if temperatures are unseasonably warm. We all know dogs can overheat in hot weather and running for extended periods of time in the heat is dangerous. There are always other events, if we cancelled the event then we would offer a transfer to another event, or you could run without your dog at the event.
Where we have a canicross entry we will also post a virtual race briefing. We’d rather not have dogs howling through the race briefing! Even when you move your dog away they’re often quite loud, having an online race briefing makes the whole process a lot easier for us all.
We would look to start the canicross runners a few minutes ahead of the rest of the field, we’ll confirm closer to each event but this will likely be 10 minutes before, allowing time for a race briefing for the other runners. This will allow you and your dog to not be caught in the hustle and bustle and reduce the likelihood for any trips or knocks.
Please consider if your dog should be used to canicross . If it is a puppy or inexperienced please do not come to the event. Try shorter distances in the park and build up to an event. Use parkrun as good testing ground for longer distances.
You must have third party liability cover for your dog. We will ask to see a copy of this after you’ve entered, if you aren’t able to supply it then you’ll need to switch to the non-canicross event.
You must only run with one dog at a time. If you have multiple dogs you can switch dogs on each lap if you like but they will need to be kept in your car, we will not be looking after your dogs! You can also let your dog have a break and run “dogless” for a few laps if you like.
Rules for you and your dog
There are to be no dogs at the aid station. We will set up some tether points away from the aid station with dog bowls out where you’ll need to leave your dog when approaching the aid station area. This is before, during and after the event please. An aid station full of food and a lot of clumsy tired runners is a recipe for problems if we add hungry and excited dogs in to the mix.
Your dog must be tethered to you at all other times. None of the events we use have styles, some may have gates but your dog must be on the lead throughout. Your dog may be perfect off the lead but during our events they must stay on it.
The lead must be appropriate for canicross, a waist belt around you, bungee lead and sports dog harness that allows free shoulder movement. We aren’t requesting a specific lead length but please keep it “short” and appropriate for the route.
You must carry poo bags and take these home with you if there are no bins for their disposal. You cannot use our rubbish bags for your dogs waste. In many of our venues the rules of the road are to get a “stick and flick” it in to the side. You will be DQ’d if you leave dog waste on a pathway.
What we’ll do for you and you dog
We’ll have dog bowls with fresh water set up by the aid station for your dog to get rehydrated on each lap. We will not have treats as this is a bigger minefield than fuelling humans! If you dog will eat the food we have for the humans running that is fine or it might be wise to bring them a snack if they’re used to that when they run.
Your entry will be the same price as a canicross runner as a non-canicross runner. We’re not trying to “make an extra buck” out of your love of running with your dog.
Our set up is generally a quiet, low key affair. There are no air horns, gun starts or fire dancers… hopefully nothing to startle your dog. Obviously we aren’t in control of the whole route but we’ll do our best to warn you of an potential issues (groundworks machinery for example).
You and your dog will get a medal. We’re yet to decide if it will be a special canicross medal or the same as the other runners get but you’ll walk away with 2 medals
We’ll do our best to get some photos of you and your dog. Nick (our photographer) will do his best to capture you both in full flight, or not, whatever the case may be!!
Obviously you’ll be running through woodland with your dogs, Alabama Rot is a serious disease you can learn about here. Given our locations are within woodland we may run at locations that have had confirmed cases. However if you dog is kept on the lead as instructed there is no reason for them to be going in to bog and deep mud. That said, it’s best to follow the advice you can find here. Also when running at our Forestry England sites please be aware of their “Dog Code” that you can find here. Our rules are a lot more detailed and will go above and beyond theirs.
We hope the above seems fair and responsible. We’ve sought advice from people that know and a big thanks goes to Cat from C&M Canicross with lots of helpful advice and guidance. If you have your own thoughts do let us know. As with everything we’ve ever done we’re open to suggestions and always want to improve. We’re really excited to be offering a cani-x option at our events.