Notes to Editors

CaniX UK
CaniX® is short for canine cross-country running.

CaniX should be spelt with a CAP ‘C’ and a CAP ‘X’ with the other letters in lower case and no hyphens.

For the website address please use: www.canix.co.uk

For advise on starting out, the best gear for you/your dog and to join the CaniX mailing list for future events, visit www.canix.co.uk.

CaniX UK aims to:

– promote a healthy lifestyle for you and your dog and responsible pet ownership, utilising our country’s great outdoor spaces.

– inform, advise and motivate people of all ages and abilities via the handbook, website and events to achieve their personal health and fitness goals.

– make people aware of the benefits for both human and dog.

Supported by Forestry Commission and Active Woods, Crown Estates, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and local health initiatives such as Active Swindon/Swindon CC and Bristol CC. We receive sponsorship from companies including Burns Pet Nutrition, PetMeds, Schering Plough, Drontal, The North Face.

We cater for any size, any shape, any breed – and all fitness levels. No special training or equipment is needed, other than your dog. We help and advise on getting started and once you’re ready, supply gear designed specifically for CaniX.

As a goal, events are staged throughout the cooler months (September to May). Our Championship events are split into 10 classes over a 5km cross-country course for over 13s and 2.5km course for 10 to 12 year olds. There are VM+ and VF+ classes for over 60s and after the main race under 10s are paired with adult runners to run a short course (our youngest competitor to date is 6). There is also a Have-a-go class for newcomers and all ages, over the 2.5km course. Runners set off at timed intervals.

We attract all levels of runners from ultra-distance athletes, marathon and fell runners who achieve sub 6 minute mile times on difficult cross-country terrain to those who just enjoy getting as dirty as their dog. No matter what level of runner, all enjoy the camaraderie of our events.

The 2007/08 CaniX UK season will see over 1500 teams compete at 15 events in 13 counties throughout the UK – a threefold increase in entries on the previous season and an equal male/female split across all age groups. As well as attracting thousands of supporters and spectators. The winner in each of the 8 adult classes will be awarded a years supply of Burns Dog Food (worth £420) at the Championship prize giving (the final event of the season held at Cheltenham Racecourse with grandstand views of the course).

CaniX UK’s chosen charity for the 2007/08 season is The Blue Cross. Runners also support many small local to large international animal welfare and conservation charities. By the end of the 2007/08 season CaniX UK events will have raised £10,000.00 for animal charities.

CaniX Dos and Don’ts

Dos…
– Always carry water or plan stops near streams on your run. 
– Watch your dog after a run until breathing has returned to normal.
– Feed correctly and at the right time before/after a run.
– Check with your GP and vet that you and your dog are fit and healthy if new to running.

Don’ts…
– Run your dog if under a year old (large breeds may require longer).
– Underestimate the heat.
– Run with a choke collar/muzzle.
– Shout at your dog (mistakes are human error).

CaniX Dates

11-12 October 2008: CaniX UK are taking the first team to represent the UK at the 11th European CaniX Championships in Decin, Czech Rep.

18 May 2008: The second CaniX UK Championship will be held at Cheltenham Racecourse, the culmination of 13 events across the country from Sep 2007 to May 2008.

March 2008: CaniX UK held a demonstration event at Crufts, the first time CaniX had featured in the shows 117 year history.

April 2007: The first CaniX UK Championship was held at Cheltenham Racecourse, the culmination of 8 events across the country from Sep 2006 to May 2007.

For more information contact Eileen or Richard Cook
Tel: 07711 818241
email: info@canix.co.uk
Web: www.canix.co.uk

v. 24.3.08