Canicross phenomena sweeps the county

Competitive running with dogs, Chichester Canicross has been running for under a year under the banner of South Downs and Coastal Cannicross and now has 216 members.

Having competed at local and national events, members have held their own five-mile race, called Barking Mad, last Wednesday to raise money for Chestnut Tree House.

Chris Doe said: “We amassed a good 20 runners and dogs for the race and teamed up with Goodwood Health Club, allowing people to run around the estate and up the Hill Climb. The national Canicross champion, Howard Clarke from Portsmouth, was there with us as well.

“It absolutely tipped it down all night but spirits were high and out of the 300 entries, 169 braved the elements for the Hill Climb.

“Chichester Canicross members all performed well, with many catching up the main field despite starting five minutes after the main field of runners.

“We were heckled throughout the run with shouts such as ‘cheats’, or ‘I need one of those’, pointing to our dogs.

The group has been running since 2014, picking up on a running craze that is sweeping the country and Europe.

Members take it in turns to pick a running route in their area and organise themselves via the Facebook page, South Downs & Coastal Canicrossers (Chichester area). All abilities welcome and equipment can be borrowed, if necessary.

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