Trail running with your dog — the most popular dog-powered sport in the UK
CaniCross is cross-country running with your dog. You wear a padded waist belt, your dog wears a specially designed harness, and a bungee line connects you both. The sport originated in Europe as off-season training for sled dog mushers and has grown into a standalone discipline with thousands of participants across the UK. Races typically range from 2km to 10km on forest trails, with categories for all abilities from beginners to elite. Most medium to large breeds can participate, and it's a fantastic way to build fitness and bond with your dog.
You'll need a canicross harness for your dog, a padded waist belt for yourself, and a shock-absorbing bungee line. Trail running shoes with good grip are essential. Total starter cost is around £60-100.
