Canitrail and Canicross Races

Canitrail or Canicross was born in the late 1980s. Gilles Pernoud, a veterinarian by profession, launched the concept, inspired, according to legend, by ski joëring practiced in Nordic countries. In Canicross, the dog 🐺 replaced the horse 🐴 with one rule: the runner must never be ahead of their companion. Connected by a lead, the dog and the runner exert the same physical effort. The pulling harness is adapted to the dog’s morphology, while the runner wears a belt or harness where the lead, with a maximum 2-meter shock absorber, is attached. It is important ⚠️ not to make dogs too young run, and the chosen distance must necessarily be suitable for older dogs. Caution to hydration as well. If all these conditions are met, your animal loves to exert itself and possesses endurance qualities? Then, the joy of canicross awaits you! With the help of your dog, you'll run faster 💪 than ever, a thrilling feeling indeed, with oxygenation to boot. Huskies, German Shepherds, Retrievers, Labradors, Golden Retrievers: open to all breeds, the discipline offers really nice starting lines 🌈! Often practiced on dirt paths throughout the year, this duo race even has its world championship! It is present in 37 countries across the globe. In France, the French Federation of Sledding Sports has governed the discipline since 1996. In terms of distance, the races rarely exceed 20 kilometers, whether they take place in the forest, in the mountains, in the city or by the sea.

The canicross calendar? The Auvergne Rhône Alpes region is the stage for the Ronde des Grangeons, a 10-kilometer race around the town of Ambérieu-en-Bugey and its superb surrounding nature. 1000 meters of positive elevation await duos at the wacky race of the Bruniquel Origine Trail, in Occitanie. Bruniquel, being also on the list of the most beautiful villages in France, you can enjoy some tourism after your race 😎. And there are worse places in terms of gastronomy... Isn't life beautiful? In Centre Val de Loire, the village of Rosnay welcomes you for a trail in the regional natural park of Brenne, punctuated by its many ponds. So if you too want to compete alongside man's best friend, make your equipment list, while ensuring your race companion's good health. In France, many associations can guide you if you need advice. For a complete view of the canitrail calendar, follow your guide 🐶 !