Event details
Get ready for an exciting and beginner friendly, fully marked 5K race with your dog at the Canicross Challenger Wendover Woods Series! Set within the beautiful trails of Wendover Woods, this event offers the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of canicross in a fun and supportive environment.
Event dates: 26 January, 23 February, 23 March 2025
Start time: 9.30am
Location: Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire
Course distance: 5km
Course description: Undulating mixture of paths, tracks, and woodland trails
How does it work?
The series runs monthly in January, February, and March, designed to help you and your dog improve your performance with each race. Whether you’re new to the sport or aiming to achieve a personal best, this event is perfect for building confidence, fitness and a stronger bond with your dog.
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​Before signing up, please take a moment to read our Terms and Conditions (found on the registration page) which outline important information about the event, safety guidelines, and essential equipment requirements.
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Enter one, two, or all three of the events; test your limits, enjoy nature, and see how much you can progress — let’s race!
Canicross is for all dogs!
We’re committed to creating a welcoming space for everyone, including beginners and those with dogs that may need extra space. Yellow Dog UK will be providing yellow ribbons for dogs that need space, helping raise awareness among other dog owners.​
Join one of our guided runs that will be taking place after the main race. You can register on the day and will be kitted out using demo canicross equipment (subject to availability).
In January, Non Stop Dogwear will be on-site offering fittings, demos, and sales of their canicross equipment.
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 5K course set in the beautiful Wendover Woods. The course is undulating and 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 Wendover Woods 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 5K 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, you can come and try demo kit on the day and sign up for the guided run. Or we recommend you book a canicross course through Trail Paws Adventures at Wendover Woods 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 trying the demo kit and book the guided run on the day instead. Equipment will be available to purchase too. 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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How much will the guided run cost and how far will it be?
​There will be a charge of £15 and sign up will be on the day, it will be a short and gentle run of no more than 3k. Slots will be available after the race has finished. Routes are subject to change.
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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.