🐾 Canicross Winelands Social Run 🐾
This week we’re heading to the beautiful trails of Eden Forest for a fun winter morning with our four-legged teammates! 🌲🐕☀️
📅 Date: Saturday 20 June
⏰ Time: 08:30
📍 Location: Eden Forest, Stellenbosch
🗺 Route Information
We’ll be running at the beautiful Eden Forest trails in Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch. The route winds through shaded pine forests, flowing single track, and scenic jeep track sections with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 🌲⛰️
This week’s route will be approximately 5 km, making it ideal for both newcomers wanting to experience Canicross and more experienced teams looking for a relaxed social run. The route includes a few gentle climbs and descents, providing a great mix of terrain without being overly challenging.
The trails are generally well maintained, but please watch your footing on loose gravel sections and be mindful of other trail users.
☕ After the run, you’re welcome to stay and enjoy a coffee and chat while the dogs recover from their adventures.
🌦 Weather Forecast
Current forecasts are looking excellent for a winter Canicross morning. Expect temperatures of around 12°C at the start of the run, warming steadily as the morning progresses. We can expect hazy sunshine, light winds, and very little chance of rain, making for near-perfect running conditions for both dogs and humans.
Even though it will be cool at the start, the sun can still be strong once we’re out on the trails, so don’t forget water for yourself and your dog.
📊 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… 🐕🦺🏃♀️