The DogFit Team travelled across to Kent this morning to take part in an off-road Canicross friendly race in the stunning grounds of Hole Park, near Rolvenden in Kent.

We couldn’t have asked for better running conditions. It was a sunny day but cloudy and not too hot and the setting was beautiful.

The Hole Park Trail Run welcomed Canicrossers this year and it was a fabulous turn out. Dogs of all breeds and sizes took part in either the 5km or 10km distance.

These two gorgeous Boston Terriers prove that any size dog can enjoy canicross!

Both routes (the 10km consisted of two laps) were undulating and took in varied terrain as both Canicrossers and dogless runners were taken through the grounds of Hole Park, which included views of Hole Park orchards, Rolvenden Windmill and Stumble Wood.

We started on concreted paths but this was short lived thankfully as this soon turned into proper off-road terrain which then consisted mostly of fields and wide paths.

We’ve had a fair bit of rain recently so the fields were muddy and rutted in places but it was a fun route with plenty of variety. You could get into a fairly good groove on this run and this was only interrupted briefly by a kissing gate and a small footbridge to cross.

Runners had to cross this small footbridge

There were also a couple of cattle grids to negotiate but the organisers thoughtfully either covered them with a wooden panel or opened up the side gate so dog’s could avoid them altogether.

There was a water stop at around the 3km mark and then back at the start/finish area which was perfect. There were plenty of refreshments for the humans, which included energy drinks, water, bananas and sweets, and the dogs were offered water from containers and water bowls.

Dogs (and humans!) were well catered for

As for footwear, I initially thought I’d ‘over-dressed’ in my deep tread Inov-8s but as we hit the grassy, muddy sections they were definitely the right choice. If we had had a drier spell, medium tread trail shoes would have been fine.

Parking was easy and a short distance from the registration area where you simply go to collect your running number and timing chip (which was a lightweight velcro band you wear round your ankle).

All finishers received a medal and refreshments.

Overall, this run was really good fun, well organised and had a lovely local feel to it and participants were made to feel very welcome.

The start/finish area was very spectator friendly so this added to the atmosphere. It’s not necessarily a course for PB potential but challenging enough terrain to make you want to give it a good go!

Super Sid was my trusted companion as ever and he rates this run as a ‘must Canicross again’!

DogFit Superstars Sidney & Coco

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