Event: Nightingale Wood, Swindon (12 Nov 2006)
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RESULTS

Bark'ley square

Nightingales were not seen at this wood on Sunday. With over 100 dogs competing they took to the trees and watched in lofty silence as the dogs whizzed by in a contended mixture of heavy breathing and soft panting. The temperature was excellent at 8 degrees C and the rain stayed away. The main arena with the start and finish shoots, the 3 marquees and the BBQ proved to be a real winner with all the cars parked in a huge circle so dogs and owners were part of the event at all times.

A partnership between the Swindon Borough Council and the Primary Care Trust formed a group - Active Swindon whose aim is to have 50% of the population physically active by 2020. They joined forces with Forest Enterprises and Cani-Cross UK and together brought 75 runners and over 100 dogs into the borough on Sunday mornings event.

With a good surface and no hills the 5km course saw record times of 17:37 (10:49 for the 2.5km course). It was ideal for those that really wanted to push the boat out and do their personal best as well as newcomers that had never had a go before.

Entrants ages ranged from 5 (our youngest to date) to 66. Our eldest competitors in the over 60 class had a blinding run (as can be seen in the first picture) - the first 3 completed the 5km in 26:23, 26:24 and 27:28. A great sprint finish. A 1.5km course was also set for our under 11 runners with our 5 year old competitor running with Jaffa a rescue Greyhound the same height. Thank you to all those runners that accompanied our young cani-cross athletes to show these little ones what fun it is to run with their dogs.

I looked around at various times in the day and was warmed by the wonderful atmosphere and the groups of runners chatting and laughing tougher. I think we are forming a great little family that all come together to be outdoors, in the fresh air, with their 4 legged best pals. Nothing could be better.

See you all at The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell on the 26 November.

Eileen

Photo gallery
Our official photographer Chillpics covered the event - all pictures available can be viewed and prints purchased at www.photoboxgallery.com/chillpics.