Event details
Get ready for the next instalment of this exciting, fully marked canicross race through the beautiful trails of Salcey Forest! The Canicross Challenger: Salcey Forest Series offers the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of running with your dog in a fun, supportive environment. We have some exciting new changes in store for you for the 2026 series, including the choice between a 5k Short Course or a NEW 8k Long Course option, as well as the awesome Speed of Breed Leaderboard! Keep reading to find out more...
Event dates: 25 January, 22 February, 22 March 2026
Start time: TBC
Location: Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire
Course distance options: 5k (Short Course) & 8k (Long Course)
Course description: A mix of forest paths, woodland tracks, and muddy trails. Expect an exciting and fun adventure for both you and your dog
Race Series Details
The series runs monthly in January, February, and March 2026. Whether you're new to the sport or aiming for a personal best, this three-race series is a great way to build confidence, improve fitness, and strengthen the bond with your dog over time.
Competition Categories ​
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Fastest Dog and Runner Team – over the 3 race series*
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Most Improved Dog and Runner Team – over the 3 race series*
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NEW FOR 2026! Speed of Breed Champions – This exciting new category is open to all participants, whether you enter one race or the full series. Simply select your dog’s breed during registration, then use your race time to compete against like for like breeds in both the short and long course. Be in with a chance to feature on our special leaderboard!
*You need to have raced and successfully completed the same distance for each of the 3 races to qualify for this category.​
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Bonus Prize Draw!
Enter and successfully complete all three races – and you’ll be in with a chance to win a local Forestry England membership in our exclusive prize draw.
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​Before signing up
Please read our Terms & Conditions on the registration page. These include important information about safety guidelines and essential equipment.
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Sign up, test your limits, enjoy the forest and see how much you and your dog can progress. Let’s race!
Community & Accessibility
We’re proud to offer a welcoming space for all, including beginners and dogs that may need a little extra room. In partnership with Yellow Dog UK, yellow ribbons will be available for dogs who need space, helping raise awareness and promote respectful racing.
Trail Paws Adventures run various courses starting Autumn 2025. Discover Canicross for all abilities, Couch to Canicross to learn & get fit with your dog and tailored 1 to 1 sessions to focus on your dog's individual needs.
All Equipment is included during the sessions.
FAQs
We've answered some common questions below. Please contact us if you have any further queries.
How old do I have to be to participate?
​Participants must be at least 18 years or older to take part in the race.
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How old does my dog have to be to participate?
All dogs must be at least 12 months old and in good health to take part in the race.
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How far is the race and what is the course like?
​The race is a course set in the beautiful Salcey Forest. The course is relatively flat and should be muddy in the winter months but suitable for all levels of experience, though we recommend wearing appropriate trail-running shoes for comfort and safety.
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I’m only a beginner – can I still join in?
​Absolutely! The Canicross Challenger: Salcey Forest Series is beginner friendly, with plenty of support to help you improve. Whether you’re new to canicross or aiming to improve your skills, this event is perfect for building confidence, fitness and teamwork with your dog. Plus, being the most improved canicrosser could set you up to be a winner of the series!
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I’m not sure I can run all of the course, can I still enter?
​Yes! The event is a race, but we encourage you to run at your own pace. Feel free to walk part of the course if needed – we want you and your dog to enjoy the experience!
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Can I run with two dogs?
​For safety reasons, participants are only allowed to run with one dog. Please see the Terms & Conditions on the registration page for further information.
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My dog is noisy/reactive/nervous. Can I still participate?
​Yes, we welcome dogs of all temperaments. If your dog is reactive or needs more space, please be mindful of other participants. Yellow Dog UK will be providing yellow ribbons for dogs that need space, raising awareness among other dog owners. Muzzled dogs are very welcome, but all muzzles must be open, basket style that allow the dog to easily drink and pant freely.
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Is it a mass start or staggered?
To ensure safety and wellbeing of the dogs, it will be a staggered start. This allows participants to start at intervals, making it a calmer start and maintain a safe distance from each other.
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I would like to buddy run with a friend and their dog, is this possible?
​As it is a staggered start you will be required to start individually but you are welcome to run together on the route.
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What happens at registration?
​Registration will take place on the day of the event, where you’ll check in and collect your race bib as well as have all your canicross kit checked. A briefing will be sent via email in advance, so please make sure to read it carefully before race day.
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I have never canicrossed before and would really love to start with my dog.
If you’re new to canicross, we recommend you book a canicross course through Trail Paws Adventures to get more familiar with the sport and equipment.
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I don’t have canicross equipment. Can I still participate?
​If you’ve canicrossed before, but don’t have the appropriate equipment that meet the event’s requirements, you can hire a hip belt and bungee line when booking your entry. However, you must ensure that your dog is wearing the correct canicross harness. If you don’t have any equipment, we recommend you book a canicross fitting session with Trail Paws Adventures before the event and then you could choose to either purchase or hire from them. No head collars/haltis, shock collars, choke chains or flexi leads are permitted in the race. Failure to abide by the correct kit rules may result in disqualification.​
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Do we get a medal or prize for finishing?
There will be bespoke medals for all finishers of each event and for the whole series there will be prizes for top finishers both fastest and most improved. As well as spot prizes throughout the event.
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I can’t attend. Can I transfer my entry to someone else?
​If you can’t attend, you can transfer your entry to someone else. Transfers must be done at least one week before the event. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions on the event registration page for more details.