Familiarising yourself with Canicross Essentials

With thanks to dogfit.co.uk & Lets Go Canicross, we at Purple Gecko Events are able to bring you the latest and up to date information about Canicross & how running with your dog can be safe & fun for the both of you.

What is Canicross?

'Canicross is the most fun way for you and your dog to get fit - the two of you will build a special bond that really is unparalleled. It is also the safest way to enjoy running with your dog – by using specially designed, technical equipment that allows you to run naturally by being hands-free and for your dog to run comfortably and efficiently.

Perhaps most importantly, you don't have to be super fit or even a runner to enjoy canicross. The beauty of the equipment is that you can simply power walk with your dog (a term referred to as 'Canitrekking') if you are not quite yet ready to run and just want to build up slowly. 

Canicross originated in Europe as invaluable training for the mushing (dog sledding) community during off season months. It is very similar to skijoring, where people ski with their dog pulling out in front of them, and bikejoring, where people cycle off-road with their dog pulling in front.'

A message from Lara, a @dogfituk Canicross Trainer...

''With the growth of the sport of Canicross and the wealth of trail events that include Canicross categories (thanks PGE for being one of them!) we wanted to share our advice for taking part in trail events with your dog(s) and to help get you and your dog(s) race ready!

PGE have kindly collaborated with DogFitUK and will have information on their website & Facebook page which will help you and your dog in the run up to the event, with some top tips for taking part in trail events together.

We are always keen to ensure all participants and their dogs run safely and would always advise those running with dogs to take a look at the essential pieces of kit you will need to ensure both you and your dog run comfortably. (see pic below)

For further information or advice, head to our website https://dogfit.co.uk/''

For Canicross, the dog wears a specially designed Canicross harness, which gives a full range of movement and is comfortable for the dog too. The owner wears a specially designed belt that sits low on the hips and has leg straps, then you are both connected together with a bungee line which helps absorb any of the jerks or sudden movements that the dog might make. (See below Pic)

Dogfit UK have kindly offered a discount code to our customers to be applied at the checkout when buying any essential Canicross Kit from their website. Please use code CE5 at the checkout.

At Purple Gecko Events, we are immensely proud of the reputation we are gaining amongst the Canicross community. We are still learning ourselves & have seen a sharp increase in the number of canicross entries to our races since lockdown restrictions were lifted. We are by no means experts but are working with Dogfit UK & Let's Go Canicross in order to ensure our races are run in a safe & enjoyable manner for dogs & humans alike.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@purplegeckoevents.co.uk or contact Lara at Let's Go Canicross or via the link to the Dogfituk website

Please also refer to our Terms & Conditions for Canicross entries to Purple Gecko Events races - See  link below