Mud, Miles and Man’s best Teammate: My first Canicross Race

Yesterday I ticked off something new, my first ever canicross race, a 5km event with Canix UK at Wyre Forest (which turned out to be a very honest 5.7km).

I ran it with my German Shorthaired Pointer, Panzer and can safely say……we’re hooked!!

So….what is Canicross?

At it’s simplistic, canicross is trail running with you dog, but not just running along with a lead, its a team sport between human and K9.

You run attached to your dog
The dog runs out in front of you, helping to pull you forward.
You communicate constantly, voice cues, trust, teamwork
Terrain is usually off road, forest, trails, hills, mud, descents

Think trail running, but with four extra legs, more speed, more coordination and a lot more alertness.

Canicross began in Europe in the early 2000s, originally a way for sled dog mushers to keep dogs fit during the snow free months, using a waist belt, bungee line and dog harness, allowing the dog to run out front and assist with forward momentum, starting in the likes of France and Czech Republic, quickly coming over to the UK and grew into a sport of its own.

How does a canicross race work?

At Wyre forest, the set up by Canix UK was brilliant, simple and friendly. Start intervals were approx. 5 seconds, you kept your dog in its own space, you go in numerical order, I was number 27, so plenty of time to watch other runners fly off. The route was fully marked, very easy to follow and easy to identify. The briefing before hand included a description of the route, with climbs, fast downhills, twisting single track, mud, a rocky hill with water cascading down, more mud, and forest paths.

One runner, one or two dogs, working as a unit, no elbows, no mass starts, just you and the trail ahead.

The Kit (and why it matters)

Canicross is very equipment specific, and for good reason. Comfort and safety for the dog is a non-negotiable.

I ran with a Non Stop Dogwear harness for panzer, I have found these very easy to fit and put on him, this also allows Panzer to pull efficiently, without restricting movement or breathing. You notice it instantly when he leans in, its smooth, powerful and controlled. The next section is a bungee line. This absorbs the shock between human and dog and also allows the dog to run out front without either tripping over each other. Mine also has a handle mid way so I can get Panzer under control if required.

Then I wear a waist belt which has an added line for me to attach the bungee. These can come in all shapes and sizes, some basic, some with support all around the pelvis/hip area, as been pulled by big dogs can create extra pressure on the lower back, hips and hamstrings.

The race: mud, momentum and pure joy

The course was brilliant, an uphill start, proper forest mud, punchy short climbs, flowing downhill sections and fast runnable paths allowing us both to get into full stride. Panzer was in his element, ears back, loving life, I just had to run strong, stay on my feet and trust him. He followed my commands, passed other dogs without issues, eased off when I told him too, and gave it his all when requested.

The start…. photo courtesy of ‘Pets make Portraits’

We crossed the line in 27 minutes and to my pleasant surprise, was good enough for 2nd place masters male for that day. Canicross tends to be done over two days so they combine the results for a final score, but for a first race I’ll take that!!

Why I loved canicross and why I’ll be back

What really stood out wasn’t just the racing, it was the atmosphere. Everyone was supportive, and welcoming, dogs bring out conversation and cheering for everyone. I’ve never seen or heard the noise of so many exciting dogs, jumping, barking and really happy dogs wagging their tails at the finish, covered in mug, and trail runners just smiling.

It felt less like a ‘race’ even though you do race, and more like an adventure in the form of a time trial.

From a training perspective?

It’s hard, it’s fast, it’s brilliant for strength, cadence and trail skills. You really have to be alert at all times, for you and the dog, the dog relies on your instructions, you rely on the dog following them. It also deepens the bond with you and your dog in a way normal running just doesn’t. Panzer wouldn’t leave my side all evening, and proper cuddled in when we were relaxing in front of the TV.

Focusing on posterior chain strength, lower back, hamstrings and core is essential, and practicing fast footwork in the form of drills and downhill technique is a must.

Team focus, photo curtesy of ‘Pets make portraits’

Final thoughts…

If you love trail running, dogs, mud, team work, and trying something a bit different, give canicross a go!! I went in curious, after a few years of running with Panzer on the local hills on and off harness, I came away muddy, smiling and already planning to attend the next few.

Huge thanks to Canix UK, the marshals, Pets make portraits photography, and everyone at Wyre Forest for putting on such a great event, and to Panzer, the best running partner I could ask for.