This article was written by Brian Thomas and first appeared in the spring 2023 issue of ATRA’s quarterly newsletter Trail Times. Thomas is a race director and owner of Kenosha Running Company which promotes unique sports and events ‘Off the Beaten Path,’ to runners in southeast Wisconsin.
In 2014, I had a vision. I fondly recalled my time as a youth running the trails in my home state of Indiana and I wanted runners and walkers alike to experience the same connection to nature in my current home of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Starting small with a handful of races in city and county parks, these events were readily welcomed by those who love to run, but not necessarily always on the roads. Another group also flocked to these events…those who love to run with their dogs.
As the participation in the trail events increased, so did the number of people who ran with their dogs. Along with my company, I decided to not only invite people to run with their dogs in their events, but support this community and help to build awareness of the sport of running with your dog which is called Canicross.
Originating in Europe as off-season training for the mushing (sledding) community, Canicross has become popular as a stand-alone sport all over Europe, especially in the UK. Canicross can be run with one or two dogs, always attached to the runner. The runner wears a waist belt, the dog a specifically designed harness, and the two are joined by a bungee cord or elastic line which reduces shock to both human and dog when the dog pulls.
This sport is not limited to the breeds of sled dogs. In fact all breeds of dogs can run and people of all ages and abilities can take part, including children and the disabled such as the visually impaired. It encourages people and their dogs to take part in outdoor activities and meet other like-minded individuals. Additionally, it builds a unique bond between owner and dog.
Kenosha Running Company has a separate Canicross division for most of our events. The exception is in the warmer months where it is too warm for dogs to safely run for dogs to run for long periods of time.
In addition to hosting Canicross events, Kenosha Running Company is the largest US retailer of Canicross equipment which includes harnesses, leashes, and belts offering a variety of sizes and options to best fit your and your dog’s specific running needs. If unsure of sizing, bring your dog in for a fitting or call for a size consultation.
Canicross is fun for humans and dogs.
To see a selection of merchandise for Canicross, visit this link.
Not all of Kenosha Running Company’s races have gone to the dogs, some of them are an uphill battle. Kenosha Running Company’s One Tough F#!k*n’ Ultra is an ultra unlike no other. Taking place on the mountain bike trails at Alpine Valley resort, this 12-hour event has you running up and down the ski slopes on technical single track trails. Participants in this event should be prepared to CLIMB as the approximate elevation gain in the 4 mile loop is 800 feet with you running up two ski slopes within the first mile and a half. Once you tackle the first miles, the trail keeps challenging you with twists and turns, some more short steep climbs and descents.
The winner of this event is based on distance covered regardless of the time it takes, making it a perfect event for mountain goats rather than jackrabbits. For those more comfortable running with their band of mountain goats rather than going it alone, there is a relay option with teams from 2 to 8 runners.
For more information about Kenosha Running Company’s Canicross events and the One Tough F#!k*n’ Ultra visit this link.
Enjoy more articles about Canicross from ATRA, click here and here.
