Wessex Canicross
Canicross is the sport of cross country running with dogs. Originating in Europe as off-season training for the mushing (sledding) community, it has become popular as a stand-alone sport all over Europe, especially in the UK. Canicross is closely related to bikejoring, where participants cycle with their dog and skijoring, where participants ski rather than run.
About
Wessex Canicross is a friendly, welcoming canicross club based around the Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset borders. We run for fun, and competitively, around the local area.
There are runners and dogs of all shapes, sizes and speeds, and our runs cater for everyone. Club runs are usually at the weekends and typically there is more than one group so everyone feels included.
We normally have both faster and slower groups, as well as varying distances. Club members often organise group runs at other times as well. Follow our Facebook page to see what's happening.
If you love running and your dog does too, then come and join us!
Committee 2019/20
Chair
Sarah Elliott
Vice Chair/Secretary
Rupert Kirby
Treasurer/Membership
Ben Symons
Run co-ordinator
Sarah Ward
Beginner's co-ordinator
Emily Wollacott
Events & Challenges co-ordinator
Louise Kirby-Garton
Running with us
During the canicross season (main events between September and May) we have training runs at least weekly. These are led by experienced canicross runners in a variety of locations.
The most up to date information is on the Wessex Canicross Facebook Group – this is where details of the locations and times of weekly runs will be posted.
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Saturday & Sunday mornings – this is normally the main club run for the week. Normally a long and short run option, and enough time for a chat afterwards! Off road, muddy, all weathers! Everyone welcome.
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Weekday evenings – club members often organise runs together during the week on a more 'ad hoc' basis - keep an eye on the Facebook group for info about these too.
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Many of us run Parkrun on Saturday mornings all year round. The ones we frequent are Southwick Country Park (Trowbridge) and Montacute House (Yeovil), with many club members setting PB's on the Montacute course! Both of these Parkruns allow runners with dogs, but you do need a short line and to be considerate to the other runners!
We are a friendly club, and we're keen to encourage a supportive and welcoming atmosphere at all club activities. We train for fun, so we welcome friendly competitive spirit, but expect everyone to have regard for others' enjoyment – and to look out for others around them, help others when needed, and add to the positive atmosphere. We are inclusive to all.
Non members are welcome to join us for a maximum of 3 runs as a guest before you would need to become a member.
Please ensure that you, and your dog, are in good health. Let us, and your fellow runners, know of any medical conditions that you feel may affect you on club activities. All participants in club activities are expected to take reasonable regard for their own and others' safety.
Juniors (Under 18s) are welcome to join us – under 14s must run with a parent or guardian whilst taking part in club activities, and under 12s must run with a secondary line attached to the dog and their accompanying adult in case of emergency.
All participants in club activities run at their own risk and the club accepts no liability for injury or loss to participants or their dogs.
