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Canicross Conversations

Canicross Conversations

Written by: Michelle Mortimer and Louise Humphrey
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About this listen

The leading podcast for all things canicross and cani-sports. Canicross instructors Louise and Michelle chat to various guests and experts, who love to run or compete with their dogs, about how to keep both dog and human happy and healthy.Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • Events Series: Race Harborough and Irchy Park Canicross (Episode 191)
    Jan 23 2026

    In this episode, Mary Pearson, Race Director at Race Harborough tells us all about how she and Louise have set up a new canicross event, as they prepare for its second edition in February.

    Mary shares the story of how a canicross‑only race came to life in Leicestershire, inspired by the loss of canicross‑friendly parkruns, and a desire to create an inclusive, fun and sustainable race experience for beginners to canicross. With practical tips on rolling starts, chip timing, ways to handle public parks and working with volunteers, Mary explains what she’s learned both from the inaugural event and from her extensive experience organising regular trail races and parkruns. The conversation also explores what makes the race beginner‑friendly, the support available on the day — including kit fittings and advice — and how the event fosters community and inclusivity without feeling elitist. Mary and Louise discuss real participant feedback, route terrain, and what to expect at the 2026 race, taking place on Sunday 8 February at Irchester Country Park. This episode is perfect for anyone thinking about entering a canicross race, organising their own event or simply curious about the behind‑the‑scenes work that makes a race day successful.

    Link for the race - https://raceharborough.co.uk/canicross/ Timings 1.00 – episode intro and overview 3.00 – why Mary started a canicross‑only event 6.20 – designing a dog‑friendly course 9.40 – the importance of rolling starts 12.00 – beginner support and equipment stands 15.30 – participant feedback from the 2025 race 18.00 – how public park logistics are managed 21.30 – what’s new for the 2026 event 24.40 – date, distance and entries info 26.30 – trophies, medals and event extras 28.00 – final thoughts on inclusivity and community
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    29 mins
  • Canicross Story: Ed Warner and Trixie (Episode 190)
    Jan 16 2026
    In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle are joined by Ed Warner, former chair of UK Athletics, passionate sports advocate, and now an enthusiastic canicross convert. Ed shares the story of how a desire to stay fit for a family skiing trip led him into the world of running, and eventually to trail adventures with his energetic standard poodle, Trixie. Ed shares with us his entertaining take on learning to canicross: from the early days of training with Trixie, to racing experiences full of surprises, and even some kit confessions. "You think poodles are just fluffy? Mine runs like the wind." Topics and timings 1.10 – how Ed started running (hint: it began with skiing) 3.30 – marathons, ultras, and getting hooked on running 6.00 – Ed's journey into canicross and his first experiences 10.40 – the surprising athleticism of standard poodles 15.00 – training Trixie and early racing stories 18.45 – getting to grips with Canicross commands 21.30 – kit choices and why your waist belt matters 26.00 – building a stronger bond through Canicross 28.40 – training volume and respecting your dog’s limits 32.10 – racing plans, ambition, and the fun of chasing goals Resources mentioned
    • CX Run Club Race Calendar: https://www.cxruncalendar.com
    • DogFit harnesses: https://dogfit.co.uk
    • Episode 20 on parkrun changes to rules for dogs
    • Canicross Midlands: https://www.canicrossmidlands.co.uk
    • British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF): https://www.thebssf.org.uk
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    39 mins
  • Canicross Story: The Lazy Lurchers (Episode 189)
    Jan 9 2026

    Today, Louise chats to Kerry Burridge about how she got into canicross with her two lurchers, Willow and Hazel, and how they reacted when there was a new pup introduced to the pack who isn't a Lurcher.

    @thelazylurchers

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    35 mins
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