CZECH REPUBLIC: Dogs and their owners race together in three track events, hosted by the Czech Republic for the first time

Record ID: 777918

  • Title: CZECH REPUBLIC: Dogs and their owners race together in three track events, hosted by the Czech Republic for the first time
  • Date: 18th October 2008
  • Summary: SPECTATORS WATCHING RACE
  • Embargoed: 2nd November 2008 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Czech Republic
  • Country: Czech Republic
  • Topics: Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky,Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA7M59GN7VO8LW7NM3467Q402II
  • Story Text: The Czech Republic hosted its first European Canicross and Bikejoring Championship on Sunday (October 12).
    Over three hundred owner-dog teams from 16 European states took part in the competition that sets only one condition, that whether racing a sprint, relay or on scooter, owner and pet dog must race the stretch together.
    Canicross was started on the humorous pretext that as dogs pulling on the leash often force their owners into a run, you might as well make a track event out of it.
    The 'championships' have been running since 1996, with the Czech Republic joining in two years later.

    "The Canicross race has been going since 1996. In 1998 the Czech Republic took part in the Euro Canicross in Belgium and since 2005 European championships are organised regularly," said the Czech event organiser, Petr Toncar.
    Part of the skill of the competitors is being able to hold their dogs back a little. Some of the dogs can reach up to 40km an hour - too fast for their owners.
    The competitors don't only enjoy the chance to race with their pets its also an opportunity for camaraderie between the racers.

    "I train with my dog most mornings. He comes on my morning run, so to actually with him and the camaraderie and the friendships that have been made in the competitions is, is fantastic," said UK competitor James.
    Toncar was relieved with the results of the day's events, as it was the Czech Republic's first attempt at organising the event.

    "I think the main thing is that people like the competition and the organisation as well. We were little bit afraid and did our best, because the track is atypical and it leads trough the centre of the city. But it finished just perfectly," he said.
    Running, relay and scooter racing feature in both the men's and women's disciplines.
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