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 though. 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.
Calvin - Sporting Director
I am a passionate advocate of all canisports. I enjoy challenging initial impressions that Cani-sport is ‘cheating’.
My mission is to dispel this myth - by spreading the word about this fantastic sport, the incredible skill, training and bond required to perform the various disciplines.
I have been a canicross/bikejor enthusiast for over a decade. Before this I spent most of my free time either surfing, windsurfing, snowboarding or mountain biking.
I have competed throughout the UK and Europe, including three canicross European Championships and the Tour de Montagne in the French Alps. Distances ranging from 5km sprints to marathons.
I have 3 dogs - one Vizslas who is now retired from Canicross, a Viszla/GSP and Weimaraner/GSP I compete with both of these and I'm currently ranked is 4th in the Uk.
I’m the founding member of Canicross Cornwall which is now its 10th year. The club has seen us hosting canicross events over the years, and welcoming many new people to the sport. .
My involvement with Canicross UK really took shape during lockdown 2020. I took advantage of being house bound to organise two virtual canicross events, which proved very popular as it went gobal.
We have also hosted our first canisport weekend event which was a great success and we hope to host our next event in 2024/2025 season.
As well as offering training, tuition and event sopport at Canicross UK we wanted to give back to the sport - so I took on the responsibility of developing a program to support athletes. We now have the Canicross UK Athlete Program which provides financial support and kit.
We are thrilled to now sponsor six incredibly talented athletes. We plan to expand the team ready for next season.
We have recently secured generous sponsorship from Sledworkuk, Tractive pet trackers and Doggyrade who support both Canicross UK and our athletes.
We are currently negotiating with more sponsors as we head towards the 2023/2024 racing season.
Danielle - Team Principle
I started Canicross back in 2019 with my dog ‘Roo’
I’ve worked with the Canicross UK team since 2020.
I started off teaching Canicross improver lessons and have now moved over to sales and supporting our sponsored athletes.
You’ll often see me at races & events competing & selling our Sledwork kit.
I own 3 Weimaraner x German shorthaired pointers and run with my two youngest boys, Roo & Mojo
We’ve competed in many races, starting off with local one’s progressing to races all over the country, including national ranking races.
My Sept – April is very much focused on racing every weekend possible.
I have also just taken up bikejor, which is great fun for me & the dogs.
I’m looking forward to seeing what the 2023/24 season brings for all of our team.
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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