Canicross: Finding events and equipment for the latest fitness craze

If you haven’t heard of Canicross, it’s a new sport that’s quickly gaining popularity. The name combines the words canine and cross country. The human runner and the dog are tethered together to create a team and compete against other such teams. It’s a “jog with your dogs” competition!

This article is an effort to learn more about the sport, how can you find Canicross events – and the equipment that you would need.

Origin story

Canicross first began in the colder climates of Europe as a way for sled dogs to train in the offseason. It then evolved into a fun sport in its own right. The first organized Canicross events happened in The United Kingdom in the early 2000s. Today all levels of competitors and hobbyists are enjoying this outdoor sport in many countries. The sport is organizing itself with an eye toward making it an Olympic event.

The sport is young, fun, and very welcoming to all types of dogs and owners of all abilities and fitness levels. Beginners are encouraged to attend. Canicross teams are usually connected by a waist belt with an elastic leash and a specialized harness that the dog wears, but newcomers can use traditional leashes and collars if they like. Distances vary from event to event. 5ks are common as are half marathons and even short sprints.

A small sampling of international Canicross clubs.

Schools have sprung up that teach runners the ins-and-outs of trail running with a dog and how to safely approach this sport with your specific breed. It’s important to have realistic expectations of your dog’s capability.

In the United States, Canicross caught on earliest in the northern, cooler states where sled dog sports were already part of the culture. Also, know as CaniXC or CaniX, Canicross is also catching on quickly throughout the rest of the country as well. In fact, in the last year, the popularity of Canicross has grown remarkably fast. Demand for the harnesses and leashes have more than doubled.

Equipment

Dogs wear specially designed harnesses based on those used for mushing (dog sledding). These harnesses allow them to pull from the chest, which generates more power. The dog also controls the amount of tension on the bungee line attached to the runner’s waist belt. Depending on the breed, this bungee line will pull the runner to a faster pace than the runner could do alone. (Obviously, an Alaskan Malamute would pull harder and faster than a beagle, though both are welcome in Canicross events.)

The waist belt keeps the runner’s hands-free. Having your hands and arms free makes it much easier to maintain balance. This very important on a trail where the surface will not be as smooth and even as paved surfaces. Rocks and roots are both a challenge and help to keep things interesting. Hands-free also enables the runner to handle emergencies better, such as stumbles, protecting your face from branches, picking up after your dog, or any unexpected events that arise.

American Trail Running Association talks about equipment and Canicross

What the pros say about Canicross equipment

The CanicrossUSA organization sent a team to compete in the 2019 World Championships in Sweden. In an interview, posted on the Canicross USA website, they were asked about equipment.

These serious “Canicrossers” were each asked, What is your favorite “go-to” running gear – for you and your pup(s)? Here’s what they said:

“My favorite gear is hand down Non-Stop Dogwear. They make incredible gear of all sorts and are very knowledgeable & nice people to interact with.”
– Brooke Kish

“Besides a good trail shoe or road shoe, I like something light feeling. I most commonly use my Canicross belt from Cadillac Custom Tack, but there are many other great belts out there too. I think it’s a good idea to change the type of belt (especially if you are a daily Canicross runner), its like shoes. Using the same thing over and over cannot just create wear on the product, but also on yourself in those pressure point areas.”
– Chris Speers

“Of course, running is so simple all you need are shoes and, with Canicross, a belt, and harness. I definitely love my Non-stop Dogwear Running Belt. It was a game-changer (and back saver compared to my water-bottle belt). It stays on my hips, helping propel me forward by dog-power while maintaining proper form. Buck usually runs in a Howling Dog Alaska harness. We were using the distance (half) harness but recently switched to their Second skin harness and we love it. Lastly, I run in Asics Gel Foundation shoes and have only run in these style shoes since 2000. I have “problem” feet (severe overpronation) and these shoes have kept me running for years and years with minimal injury.”
– Brandi Williamson

“I love the gear from Non-stop dogwear. Their harnesses fit our dogs really well and are great quality. Plus, there are many sizes so there’s an option for most dogs. We typically use the Freemotion harness for training and racing but do use the Line harness for one of our dogs as well. The running belt from Non-stop was definitely made with the Canicross athlete in mind. It’s adjustable, comfortable, and really helps manage your dog quite well. I’m also a fan of the new bungee line. I’ve been impressed with the combo of the bungee line and belt together and would definitely recommend it.”
– Joy Weis

“For dog gear, it is Non-stop. They have great harnesses and their belts are the most comfortable I have ever run in. Their new line of gear is something that every Canicross runner needs to try. The new line has a locking carabiner for attachment to the dog. The new Canicross belt has numerous improvements over their previous version. For running shoes, my go-to’s are Salomon S/Lab Speed for racing and Salomon Speedcross for training. The grip Salomon shoes offer is second to none. At the speeds we race at, you have to have 100% confidence that when your foot hits the ground, it is going to stay where you place it.”
– Nick Weis – Team Captain

For the full interviews about how they got into the sport and strategies for competition go to www.canicrossusa.org

Events

Most Canicross events are in the cooler months of spring and fall. They are often fun events with bonfires, socializing, and food and beverages at the finish line. You can find many of the events using The Dog Race Database, provided by RunRepeat.com. It’s the largest, most comprehensive database to find a dog-friendly walk or run near you.

The welfare of the dogs is seen as the most important aspect of the race. Obviously all dogs need to be in good health to start, and any behavior that endangers the animal will not be tolerated.

These events are very strict about aggressive dogs. If a dog attempts to bite another dog or participant they will be asked to withdraw from the event immediately. Socialize your pup! And of course, all owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog.

Conclusion

Though Dog walk/run events have been around for decades they are becoming more organized and better, more technically equipped. The organized Canicross events are very quickly growing in popularity.

These days you don’t even need to have a dog. Many animal shelters sponsor running events where you can be matched up with a pooch partner for the race. I have no doubt that you’ll fall in love with your running partner.

Research has shown that simply having a dog can improve your health. It’s believed that being a dog owner forces you to move more. Walking the dog. Playing with the dog, etc. canicross takes this movement to a new, fun, social and exciting level.