Parkruns are free timed 5k runs which are conducted by volunteers, and are held in many countries around the world. There are three parkruns in Australia, with a fourth on the cards for next year.

We’ve been trying to get along to a parkrun for a few weeks now, but work commitments and weather haven’t made it possible. Yesterday was the day!

The run was in New Farm Park, Brisbane, and the route followed the boardwalk along the riverbank. It was flat, and lots of people were out walking or cycling, enjoying the fine weather and the view. We were made to very welcome by the organisers; it’s always nice to see people relaxed about dogs joining in a fun run.

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I have been reading a bit about Cani-Cross lately, a great running dog sport that is popular in the United Kingdom.

Cani-cross is cross-country running with your dog for all breeds, any size, big or small. In the UK there are organized events and races for you and your dog(s) to run together.

The running can be done with a conventional collar and lead but it is easier for you and your dog if you use a cani-cross belt for you, a cani-cross harness for your dog and a cani-cross bungee elastic lead connecting you and your dog. The belt means that your arms can swing freely and naturally; the harness is attached to the dog’s powerful chest rather than its neck and the elasticity of the lead absorbs sudden surges by the dog.

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Caloundra foreshore fun run is definitely one of my favourite fun runs, not only is the event dog friendly it also is one of the most scenic runs I have been to. Starting at Jensen Park Pelican waters and along the Esplanade, passing Golden beach, Kings beach, Shelley beach and ending at Moffat and Dicky beach you truly get to see the best of Caloundra in all its beauty!

A gorgeous sunny day had me and Girl (Blue heeler) running at a nice steady pace and stopping for many drinks at the stations provided. My absolute favourite view of this run is approaching the finish line on the top of the hill near Moffat beach. I couldn’t help myself I had to stop and take a picture.

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The Woodford Fun Run is put on by the Anglican Parish of Woodford and Kilcoy.  With so much obesity around, and poor health on the increase, it’s refreshing to find a social  group raising money by encouraging people and their dogs to be active and have a run, rather than spend money and eat chocolate.

Starting from the back of the church hall of Saint Matthias’, Woodford, the fun run heads down a short decline before pushing gradually up a series of little hills for two and a half kilometres.  It then heads back down a big hill, before closing with a return run up the first downhill. Read More→

The second annual Wild Horse Criterium was held on Easter Sunday, April 24.  With distances of 50, 30, and 10 km on offer there was something on offer for almost every human or dog runner.

A run which winds its way through the forestry plantation around the base of scenic Wild Horse Mountain, this entirely off-road experience welcomes dogs into all events.  There were many canine entrants in the 10 km event, with our own Guinness, Sherbet, Tiger and Sinner taking part, as well as a couple of dogs in the 50 km event – Bengal and Ebony.  No dogs toed the line in the 30 km event, but maybe next year there will be a starter or two.

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This is a race report from Jen Da Silva, owner of Girl.

Our first North Lakes run, and what an event it was! It’s great to see dog friendly runs out there!

Girl and I started at the back of the group and ran through a scenic 10km course along the North Lakes pathways.

We passed the Golf course and lagoons filled with bird wild life. The course had a nice feel to it with large pathways which were beautifully landscaped with bush and native plants.

The weather was great, a nice clear day although it did heat up quickly, Girl had stopped for a few swims along the way to cool off!

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