HELEN - CEO & HEAD instructor
I’ve been teaching canicross since 2014, and absolutely love it!
For me there is nothing more rewarding than being right at the beginning of someone’s canicross journey, to then witnessing the growing bond and blossoming partnership between dog and handler.
I believe canicross is hugely beneficial, and a perfect activity for dogs – it gives them a job! Canicross provides a channel for energy. Sustained and controlled exercise together with a mental workout (through verbal requests) = physical and mental stimulation – win win!
Canicross is a sport which welcomes all abilities. You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy spending time running, jogging or power walking, with your best friend.
I'm a confident and experienced dog handler through showing my dogs and have attended PDTI (Pet Dog Training Instructors) residential course gaining valuable knowledge and understanding of the importance of structured classes and the wellbeing of both dog and owner. I'm also qualified UKA LIRF (Leadership in Running Fitness).
Being a Jan Fennell Dog Listener, my approach to dog training might differ from others. I consider your dog as your best friend. My ethos is that your dog makes the choice to run and pull of its own free will – with emphasis being on creating an enjoyable experience! For this reason you will hear me use the terms “request and reward”, rather than “command”.
For extra peace of mind I am a qualified Canine First Aider and have a canine first aid pack with me at all times.
Competing as part of Team GB in three Canicross European Championships was pretty special. Currently back competing with my Vizsla/GSP cross Archie
This year I’m looking forward to taking on a new challenge - sharing my knowledge and years of experience to develop the next generation of Canicross UK Trainers.
Danielle - Team Principle
I started my Canicross journey in 2019 with my dog, Roo, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
I’ve been part of the Canicross UK team since 2020, originally leading Canicross improver sessions. Since then, I’ve transitioned into a sales and athlete support role, working closely with our sponsored team members.
You’ll often spot me at races and events—either competing or supporting our team.
I own three Weimaraner x German Shorthaired Pointers and currently run with my youngest boy Mojo, who has recently started training with Cornwall Search Dogs to become an operational search dog.
We began with local races and gradually progressed to national-ranking events across the UK. From September to April, my calendar is packed—racing nearly every weekend.
I’ve recently taken up bikejor, which has been great fun for both me and Mojo.
I’m excited to see what the 2025/26 season holds for both myself and our incredible Canicross UK team!
Calvin - Sporting Director
I’m a passionate advocate for all canisports and love challenging the common misconception that canisport is “cheating.” My mission is to dispel this myth by promoting the incredible skill, training, and bond required to perform across the various disciplines.
I’ve been a canicross and bikejor enthusiast for over a decade. Before discovering this sport, I spent most of my free time surfing, windsurfing, snowboarding, and mountain biking.
Over the years, I’ve competed throughout the UK and Europe, including three Canicross World Championships and the Tour de Montagne in the French Alps—racing distances from 5km sprints to full marathons.
I r have two amazing dogs: • Archie – a Vizsla/German Shorthaired Pointer cross• Stark – a Weimaraner/German Shorthaired Pointer crossI, I compete with both, and for the 2024/2025 season, I’m currently ranked 25th in the world. Stark has also begun training with Cornwall Search Dogs, working toward becoming an operational search dog see more info at . https://cornwallsearchdogs.org I’m the founding member of Canicross Cornwall, now in its 12th year. Our club has hosted numerous events over the years and introduced many newcomers to the sport.My deeper involvement with Canicross UK began during the 2020 lockdown. While housebound, I organised two virtual canicross events that gained global participation and were a huge success. Since then, we’ve also hosted our first full Canisport weekend event—which was very well received—and we’re excited to be planning our next for the 2025/2026 season.At Canicross UK, we offer training, tuition, and event support—but we also wanted to give back to the sport that’s given us so much. That’s why I launched the Canicross UK Athlete Program, which provides financial support and equipment to athletes. We’re incredibly proud to now sponsor six exceptionally talented competitors.We’ve also recently secured generous sponsorship from SledworkUK for the upcoming 2025/2026 racing season.
Kim - Senior Instructor
For many years I sought out exciting outdoor adventure, spending my younger years in the French Alps living, working and snowboarding.
But when life settled with my young family the urge to seek out high velocity outdoor exercise simply escaped me!
Until September 2020, following lockdown, when I discovered Canicross. My nervous black labrador rescue Alf and I joined the walk/jog group sessions - and we soon fell in love with this fantastic sport. Alf had a real purpose, we made great friends and canicross has now become a huge part of our lives.
Alf and I trained hard from that point, and have now qualified as Canicross UK Instructors (yes, I consider Alf an Instructor too - setting a good example of etiquette and courtesy to new dogs in the pack).
So I rediscovered my love of exhilarating outdoor pursuits (there's nothing quite like running downhill with a pack of excited dogs)! But nonetheless I had come from a starting point of low fitness and confidence, to now loving the thrill of running at full speed with my best friend.
I am a firm believer that canicross really is for everyone, whatever your fitness level, and whatever you wish to achieve. Some of the best fun can be had at low impact, a walk/jog pace, where you have time to bond with your dog, enjoy your beautiful surroundings and the company of like minded people.
I am really looking forward to warmly welcoming all newcomers and their dogs, to this inclusive and fun sport. Having been on the canicross journey ourselves, Alf and I love guiding others through theirs.
I am a qualified journalist, and also help the team behind the scenes writing copy for the press and social media.
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