CaniX Expands In Scotland

8 FEB2011

Runners in Scotland who'd liked to train with their dogs now have a new group that will happily introduce them to the joys of CaniX. Canicross Scotland (Running with Dogs) is a recently established organisation that aims to promote the sport of canicross, arrange free training runs and events and put enthusiasts in touch with each other.

A band of super enthusiasts were in action on Sunday at Eglinton Park in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire where they trialled 4k, 6k and 10k routes. Organiser Susan Westlake told scottishrunningguide.com: "It worked out really well, because both the 6k-ers and the 10k-ers met up with the 4k-ers at one point and the 6k-ers never fell far behind the 10k-ers. That's just what we wanted - different groups doing different distances yet still feeling that we were all part of the same run.

"The dogs all behaved extremely well and received a very friendly welcome from the regular park users. The good behavior continued when we all went to the cafe for refreshments and a good chin/tail wag. Dogs are allowed inside the cafe (rare in Scotland!) and with Belgian buns, rocky road, empire biscuits and other goodies on the table I was expecting chaos, but apart from a little woofing when other people came through the door it was remarkably peaceful."

Canicross Scotland is planning a run at Eglinton Park every Sunday morning at 10am. The group also organises regular runs at Whiteless Windfarm, 20 miles south of Glasgow and at Mugdock Country Park. In addition there is always a big CaniX presence at Strathclyde parkrun.

All Canicross Scotland events and training runs are organised by volunteers and are free of charge. All abilities and fitness levels are catered for and they actively welcome new members.

For more information and to view some great photos of recent CaniX action go to Canicross Scotland's website.