with special input from three times British National Canicross Champion and Cani-Fit Founder, Lindsay Johnson.Over the last few months there has been a substantial increase in people out running during Covid-19 lockdown.
We are also seeing more people take the opportunity to go on a run with their dogs, ensuring their dog is getting the exercise it needs whilst adding a bit of companionship on their run.
If you’re still getting to grips with basic pavement running with your dog then take a look at our recent blog ‘An Introduction to Road Running with your Dog’.
For those wanting to further explore a community of like-minded runners and their dogs, then Canicross may be just the ticket.
Canicross, the sport of off-road running with your dog, originated in Europe as an off-season training for the mushing (sledding) community.
Runners and their dogs meet at events to race short or long distances depending on your preference across the countryside. The runs can be as condensed as 2km whilst the more capable athlete can enter races for much longer distances. For someone just starting out and looking into Canicross, the emphasis isn’t on the winning, its the entire experience that comes along with it.
Since the first UK staged event in 2000, Canicross has grown in popularity across the UK and the rest of the world. The runner wears a waist belt, the dog a specifically designed harness, and the two are joined by a bungee cord or elastic line that reduces shock to both human and dog when the dog pulls.
Lindsay Johnson, three times British National Canicross Champion and Founder of Cani-Fit has been involved in Sled Dog Sports for around 13 years.
‘I have experienced a lot in the sport. From running 96 miles over the West Highland Way and highest mountains in the UK to travelling all over the UK and Europe to compete in British, European, and World Championships.’
‘It’s fair to say that the sport Canicross does is changes lives for the better. The Canicross community is vast in ages with people from different areas/walks of life, but sharing the same passion. The sport can become very addictive; people quickly want to do more events, travel further, add to their dog pack and swap their cars for vans!’
Alongside her medals and racing achievements, Lindsay is also the founder of Cani-Fit, a human and dog fitness company, training with both humans and their dogs to gain the full experience of Sled Dog Sports.
Her advice for people looking to get in to the sport is ‘once your dog is old enough (11-12 months) read up on the sport. Education is key, get an understanding of what the sport is about, how best to look after your dog and prep them to pull in harness. Once lockdown is over find a local group or class and meet up with others, everyone is very open and welcoming to newcomers.’
During this time, whilst under restrictions she is running online classes, personal coaching and virtual medal challenges where all proceeds go to charity.
For further information on Cani-Fit please visit their website www.cani-fit.com
If you’re interested in finding a local Canicross Club near you, visit The British Sleddog Sports Federation
