📅 Date: Saturday 27 June
⏰ Time: 08:30
📍 Location: Danie Craven Statue, Stellenbosch
📌 Meeting Point: At the Danie Craven Statue on the Coetzenburg sports grounds
🗺️ Route Information
We’ll be following a scenic route through the Coetzenburg area and surrounding trails, offering a combination of wide paths, gravel roads, and beautiful views of the Stellenbosch mountains and vineyards. 🍇⛰️
This week’s route will be approximately 5 km, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced Canicross teams. The route includes a few gentle climbs and rolling sections that provide a good workout without being overly demanding.
Please be mindful of cyclists, walkers, and other trail users as this is a popular outdoor recreation area.
☕ After the run, you’re welcome to stay for a coffee and chat while the dogs enjoy a well-deserved recovery.
🌦️ Weather Forecast
Winter mornings in Stellenbosch can be chilly, so expect a cool start. Conditions currently look favourable for running, with crisp air and comfortable temperatures for both dogs and humans. Please dress in layers as temperatures can rise quickly once we’re moving.
📊 Attendance
Please RSVP on the club group so we know who to expect.
💳 Run Fee
Annual club members run free as part of their membership. If you are not an annual member, please ensure your R50 run fee is paid before the run starts.
⚠️ Important Reminders
- Runs are postponed if temperatures exceed 25°C or if there is lightning nearby.
- Please arrive slightly early; we’ll do a short briefing before we head out.
- Reactive dogs should be given extra space.
- When overtaking, clearly call out “passing left” or “passing right”.
- Reinforce the “on by” cue and praise your dog for ignoring distractions.
- Allow dogs time to settle before the start.
- Dogs should not interact while in Canicross mode; keep at least two leash lengths between teams.
- Bring water for yourself and your dog, as well as a fold-up bowl if needed.
- I will have a basic first aid kit and will remain available to assist if needed.
- Please advise me of any injuries, medical concerns, or if your bitch may be in season.
- Ensure vaccinations and tick prevention are up to date.
- Warm up properly, start conservatively, and cool down well after the run.
- Avoid feeding your dog for at least an hour before running and offer only small amounts of water immediately afterwards.
- Bring poop bags and please clean up after your dog.
💡 Top Tip
Arrive with your dog in a normal collar or harness and change into your Canicross gear at the venue. Remove the Canicross gear after the run. This helps your dog distinguish between social time and working time.
🐾 Canicross Guidance
In Canicross, your dog should be moving happily ahead of you. If your dog falls behind and you find yourself pulling them along, stop and assess why. We run as a team and always move at the pace of the slower teammate. If your dog seems tired, uncomfortable, or unwilling to run, investigate the cause before continuing.
And to our enthusiastic canine athletes: please remember to be gentle with your humans! Listen for cues like “steady” and help them build their fitness gradually. 😉
🐾 Social Run Reminder
This is a social run, not a race. Enjoy the trails, practice your skills, and spend time with fellow Canicross teams in a relaxed and supportive environment.
We love seeing your adventures, so don’t forget to share your photos and tag Canicross Winelands! 📸
Really looking forward to seeing you all!
LLLLEEEETTTTTSSSSSS GGGGOOOooooooooooo… 🐕🦺🏃♀️