Rather Be Canicrossing
Muddy Adventures Start Here
Meet The Team
Founder & Pack Leader
Jo
Jo Founded the group at the start of 2021. She has been Canicrossing since March 2018.
Jo's passion is inclusivity and teaching as many people as possible the awesomeness that is Canicross!
Jo has entered several races/events with Louis, Teddy and Thalia but this is just for fun.
Jo also passed a Canicross Coach course in October 2021 and is keen to impart knowledge learnt from this to club members.
Teddy is nearly 5 years old. He is a golden retriever although he's more white than golden. Teddy is looking at retirement out of canicross, he is absolutely fabulous with beginners or younger canicrossers over shorter distances although he has done up to 15 miles. He rarely pulls. He is quite a nervous dog and his instinct is flight. He is famous for his back scratches and bum wags. If you receive one, know that this means Teddy thinks you're very special. It is certainly an honour. He is indifferent about swimming, he certainly soaks the hydrotherapist!!
Louis Legend is 4 years old. He is a Cypriot rescue and believed to be black lab cross collie though who knows. Louis puts 1000% in everything he does, whether that's good or bad. He is fantastic with beginners and quite often gets people hooked to the world of canicross. Jo would love to try bikejoring with him. Jo is training him to run marathon distance, he is up to about 18 miles in one go at the moment. He loves hydrotherapy and swimming too. Louis also sorts out all the admin for the running club and answers your questions!
Thalia aka Long Legs is 4 years old. she is a Cypriot rescue and is a proper Heinz 57 dog. Thalia never really got the hang of canicross when she first started her so Jo thought what harm could there be joining her up with Louis on a Pigeon Lane run... Much harm... Jo fell over twice. From this day on, she got the bug from Louis too and is Jo's best puller. She is about the same level as Louis and hopefully will get up to marathon distance together with Louis. She's not a born swimmer and tends to glide more than kick but I certainly don't need any more strength in her back legs!
Eevee is 4 years old. She is a Cypriot rescue and is a GSP cross. Eevee is a Princess, has selective hearing and loves small furries. Eevee came to Jo as an emergency foster and was a nervous wreck. Canicross has made her who she is today, a confident little monkey as you will find out when you meet her. She is deceptively strong despite her small stature. She'll make everyone aware of any wildlife in the area with her high pitch alarm call. She may also run sideways tripping someone else up in order to check a hedge for wildlife. She is very much in her own little world. She does not like water, hydro, swimming, getting wet, getting cold, getting off the sofa before a run, being without her pjs, vegetables and fruits.
Lucy aka Goose is 7.5 years old. She is a pedigree Chocolate Labrador and has never been canicrossing. Lucy has too much wrong with her to list in a short paragraph but she is one of the happiest dogs you've ever met. She is very much looking forward to meeting people on the more accessible routes for older dogs/disabled/puppies.
Eddy, Jo's latest failed foster is approximately 5 years old. He is a shepherd mix who has suffered significant trauma to his hips possibly from being run over in Romania. He has come on incredibly in Jo's care and ended up staying!
The fosters... Jo also has several fosters come through her home, some of who come out for the odd hike/run to see how they get on. It's safe to call Jo a crazy dog lady, she has now accepted this title.
Pack Leader, Treasurer & Canicross Coach
Lisa
As soon as Bodhi (Red Cocker Spaniel - slightly loopy!) was old enough we started our journey and absolutely loved it. We like long distances and short distances alike but our sense of direction is sometimes not the best…we have been known to get slightly off course but my phrase “don’t worry all roads lead to somewhere” usually helps recently we added Lyra (springer spaniel, also loopy) our little Cypriot rescue girl to the team she arrived with us on 10 July 2021 and has fitted in beautifully enjoying all the adventures thrown her way!
The spaniels maybe small but they are mighty and I can often be heard yelling “STEADY” when going downhill - this is perfectly normal (for me) and nothing to worry about…I also fall over a lot but that’s more general clumsiness than anything else so that’s us - team Chapman - we love Canicrossing with friends and will get out there rain, wind and snow whether the mud is merely ankle deep or actually knee deep we look forward to running with you! Ps don’t be scared of the adventure runs - they are fun…just make sure you have a few hours spare!
Lisa also passed a Canicross Coach course in October 2021.
Pack Leader & Canicross Coach
Hannah
Hannah has been Canicrossing for 7 years and passed a Canicross Coach course in October 2021. Hannah is a dog walker by trade and brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the club. Her dogs are:
Ernie - border collie 8 years old - Ernie was my first dog I rescued he had numerous behavioural issues and needed a job to do, Ernie thrives at canicross. He takes it very seriously, he’s competitive, fast and very loud!! Although he doesn’t run in harness much now he loves free running alongside me and my other dogs.
Rocket- lurcher 3 years old - Rocket enjoys life in the slow lane he’s all about the social side of canicross seeing his friends, enjoying the views, putting in minimal effort and being carried over any object that gets in his way. He was a very nervous rescue when we started and now shines with confidence and enjoys running for other people!
Willow- sprocker spaniel - 2 years old - willow is a dream girl rehomed by me after being taken to a vets to be put to sleep at 10 months old for ‘aggression’ she lives to run and work, she will run for anyone and always puts in 110% no matter what, she will run up to half marathon distance and also bikejors.
Indi - Greyster - 12 months - Indi is just starting her canicross journey she is from top Polish and Swedish sprint sled dog lines. She was born to run and has already shown a lot of potential, I’m hoping to race and bike Indi a bit more competitively but for now I’m enjoying those puppy months and putting in lots of ground work ready for her to start running!
Creative Director
Lewis
Lewis joined the team as creative director and has proved to be a huge asset to RBC. At just 9 years old he is responsible for all things creative in the club.
Route Master
Owen
Owen joined the team as route master, specifically for the junior division and beginners but has an input on all routes that RBC run or hike. He also looks out for inclusive routes that will accommodate disabled/less mobile members of the group which includes his brother, Jo's brother and Lucy (the dog).
Pack Leader
Kath
Kath has been canicrossing for 4 years and often is seen either dogless or running someone else's dog. Kath's dog Poppy retired from Canicross but this doesn't stop Kath from joining in and even being a pack leader! Kath is fantastic with reactive dogs.
Poppy - Irish Water Spaniel 5years old - Poppy is retired after being diagnosed with several medical issues which displayed as pain related behavioural traits and reactivity. If you’re in her circle of trust it’s a very happy place, if not it’s very tricky! The circle can be expanded but takes lots of time and patience...
Pack Leader
Mark
Mark has been Canicrossing for about 4 years. Based in the gorgeous Forest of Dean
Milo - I started this madness with our youngest Golden Retriever in 2017, who is now retired due to a serious back issue (he’s doing really well now though!). I still run with this fabulous club as the people are ace, the pups gorgeous and the feeling of running/chatting with friends can’t be beaten!
Harry - our eldest Golden Retriever was built for comfort and not speed! He never Canicrosses as it’s too much effort and exertion. However, he gives the most gorgeous hugs, is a certified Pets as Therapy dog and has worked with dementia patients and children during a research project with Lincolnshire University.
Pack Leader
Carlo
Duke and I started canicrossing in April 2021. I used to run quite a lot when I was in Italy (mainly half and marathons) but not been doing any running for few years so, as soon as Duke reached the proper age, we have put on the harness, bungee and trainers and discovered how we love running together! Duke is a GSP (German Shorthaired Pointer) so a very friendly, playful, full of energy pup and a natural born pusher! We regularly run 2/3 times a week and hope to meet new 4 and 2-legged friends in our runs!
Pack Leader
Clare
I started Canicrossing 7 years ago with my previous Ridgeback who loved nothing more than a long run in the Peak District. As a passionate ultra distance runner it’s a welcome change to do shorter distances with company!! Having moved back to Cheltenham earlier this year, this group has provided me with a much needed way of meeting likeminded people who love nothing better than running around the trails with their pups! It’s also given Beans a job and he loves it, having proven himself to be small but mighty! It has done us the world of good to join such a welcoming club where the sole purposes is to enjoy and explore the trails and have a good laugh in the process.
Pack Leader
Emilie
Emilie started canicrossing in Spring 2021. Before having her two sons, Emilie did a few triathlons, plenty of 10ks and half marathons and one marathon (never to be repeated!) and has been trying to get back into running properly ever since. After getting Rosa and telling a friend she wanted to run with her when she was old enough, said friend mentioned another ‘crazy’ friend who canicrosses with a club and so Emilie was introduced to RBC. Since then Emilie has had a great time joining the club running either dogless or with one of Jo or Hannah’s pack as well as the odd cani-hike with Rosa. Emilie grew up with a couple of dogs and has been waiting impatiently for years for the right time to have a dog again.
Rosa is a NZ Huntaway X Welsh Sheepdog born early 2021 – the result of a happy accident between her parents at the farm where they are both working dogs. She is a clever, mischievous and often wilful but loving bundle of energy that loves most other dogs and humans. She’s still too young to run in harness but loves running off lead and leaping like a gazelle over the slightest obstacle and is hopefully going to love her canicrossing ‘job’ once she’s old enough to get started.
Creative Genius
Ceandice
Ceandice recently joined the team as "Creative Genius", her role is to quite simply be herself. The ideas she brings to the team are worth their weight in gold and we're very pleased to have her on board.
Pack Leader
Sarah
Sarah has been Canicrossing for around 3 years. My running buddy is Red, aka 'The Gobby One' who is a lab, terrier mix, with a sprinkling of border collie. We started canicross as Red is reactive & I had heard it was a good way to keep him focused on something other than strange dogs/people. You'll no doubt hear us before see us, as he definitely lives up to his nickname & is known to howl on occasion! Once he's met a new dog, he's generally ok & will quite happily run alongside them. Joining a club was the best thing I've done for both of us, as everyone is so understanding & I can totally relax without feeling we're being judged. Neither of us are Spring chickens anymore, but Red can still give the youngsters a run for their money, despite turning 10 this year, unlike me He is also obsessed with pizza!
Pack Leader
Claire
Claire has been canicrossing for almost 2 years
Dexter Doodle has always been a nervous, reactive soul but very bright. So when he turned a year old I heard about canicross and thought it would be the perfect way to build our relationship, improve his confidence and get my middle-aged, overweight self into shape! After our first couple of sessions running through the mud, rain and darkness we were both hooked!
Dexter can be grumpy and noisy at the start of a run and needs to keep his distance from other male dogs but once we head off he usually settles down. He definitely sees himself as my companion on our runs and mostly keeps the line taut with minimal pulling effort
Molly labradoodle is the latest addition to our family. She will be old enough to start canicrossing next season, and I know she will love it.
Pack Leader
Tessa
Tessa has been canicrossing for just over 2 years since her Wirehaired Vizsla 'Fern' turned 18 months and they did C25K together. Hooked ever since and slowly increasing distance and speed, she runs for head space and chit chat... and cake! Fern loves to have a job to do and has endless enthusiasm, she is also chief mischief maker, always ready to play with anyone who asks as soon as the 2 leggeds rest!
As a veterinary physiotherapist Tessa is on hand to offer advice and make sure we warm up and cool down the 4 leggeds!
Pack Leader
Hannah
I first started running in 2019 in my mid 40s and weighing many more stones than I should.
I really wanted to cani cross So I started by doing a couch to 5K with a local running club and then progress to a canicross couch to 5K.
Like many of us, I started running in the depths of winter. In the pitch black, rain, mud and puddles.
So many times I doubted myself as I slid down slippery slopes and struggled up our famous hills.
Slowly I started to see improvement and the utter joy from my dog made it easy to commit to turning up each week.
Fast forward a couple of years, and I'm a run leader, Certainly not something I had imagined would have happend.
I haven't lost much weight, nor am a I particularly fast but I have learnt that if you don't let negative thinking become an obstacle, you can achieve the most incredible runs and make many fantastic running friends.
Pack Leader
Julie
I started my canicross adventures in 2014 when my puppy trainer mentioned the local Forest of Dean group were holding an introduction session, with great trepidation and zero fitness, I turned up with my old Jack Russel and we trotted about at the back enjoying seeing new parts of the countryside.
Twelve months later, I was a regular with the shorter distance group, my dog, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was ready lead from the back some "magical mystery tours"
After completing the British Athletics Leader in Running Fitness Qualification in 2016, I started to share these experiences with others, helping absolute beginners with zero fitness enjoy canicrossing too.
Racing is not my thing, but exploring, finding new routes, running through mud, puddles, trees and streams is my happy place.
Pack Leader
Debs
Paddy and Debs started Canicross in 2017. Paddy (or more usually known as Sir Patrick Von Smooth) is a small Cypriot crossbreed. He lacked confidence to start with but the more we ran together, the more he pulled and his confidence soared. Debs also runs with Ginny (Collie) and Bryn (Terrier) who both took to Canicross immediately running alongside their friend Paddy. Debs is a Primary School teacher but a farmer at heart, so enjoys running across farmland and spotting wildlife. Paddy is very agile and flies over stiles, fences and other obstacles with panache!
Debs is also a Puppy School tutor and is keen to encourage handlers with young dogs to wait until their dog is ready to start running and then support them into the sport gradually so they can enjoy years of running together.