Notes to Editors

CaniX UK and Bikejor
Aims
National Championships
European Championships
CaniX dates
Dos and Don'ts
Contact info

CaniX UK
CaniX® is a registered trademark and is short for canine cross-country running.

Bikejor adds a mountain bike into the scenario with the your dog (in running harness) and mounatin bike attached via a bungee line.

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.

NB. Any article/feature relating to CaniX must have no reference to any other organisation, other than CaniX UK (unless approved by CaniX UK in writing). CaniX UK does not endorse any products other than those featured on its official website (www.canix.co.uk). Many products passed-off as CaniX gear, as well as being of inferior quality, are not suitable and can be harmful or dangerous to dog, human and by-standers. As a responsible orgaisation, we do not want to be associated with these third party products.

If you are using images of a CaniX event (whether supplied by CaniX UK, our official photographers or your own photographers), please ask for our copyright and usage terms before publishing (any image of a CaniX event is protected under registered trademark).

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, Natural England, Crown Estates, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and local health initiatives such as Green Exercise and Active Swindon in Swindon CC and Bristol CC.

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.

National Championships (for more information visit www.canix.co.uk)
As a goal, events are staged throughout the cooler months (September to May). Our events are split into 19 age classes. Courses are 5km cross-country for over 15s and between 1 to 2km for 7 to 14 year olds. There is a Super Vets Class (M+F) for over 60s. There is also a Have-a-go Class for newcomers and all ages, over the short course. Runners set off at timed intervals.

CaniX events 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 2009/10 CaniX UK season saw nearly 2500 teams compete at 28 events throughout the UK – with an equal male/female split across all age groups. As well as attracting thousands of supporters and spectators. The winner in each of the 12 adult classes will be awarded a years supply of Dog Food (worth £500) 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 2009/10 season is Hearing Dogs. Runners also support many small local to large international animal welfare and conservation charities. To date CaniX UK events have raised over £50,000.00 for animal charities.

European Championships (for more information visit www.canix.co.uk)
CaniX UK represent the UK on the board of the European CaniX Federation (ECF). Every October CaniX UK lead a team of the top UK CaniX athletes to compete in two days of events with other European countries.

The next European Championship is in Liège, Belgium on the 9-10 October 2010.

The deadline to begin PETS passport sequence for entry to EuroCaniX is 7 months prior to the event.

CaniX Dates SEE NEXT YEARS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Oct 2012: 15th European CaniX and Bikejor Championships, Exeter, UK.

Oct 2011: 14th European CaniX and Bikejor Championships, Poland,

Oct 2010: 13th European CaniX and Bikejor Championships, Liège, Belgium.

2009/10: This season will see the first National Bikejor Championship in the UK. Bikejor will run alongside selected CaniX events with the first event being Harcombe Woods, Exeter Racecourse on the 5 Sep 2009.

23 May 2010: 4th CaniX UK National Championship Prizegiving at Cheltenham Racecourse. The culmination of the season of events across the country from Sep 2009 to May 2010. See www.canix.co.uk for the full season of events.

12 March 2010: 3rd Crufts CaniX.

11+12 October 2008: CaniX UK lead the first team of 25 to represent the UK at the 11th European CaniX Championships in Decin, Czech Rep where 13 european countries competed.

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.

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).

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

v. 27.05.2010