Event Information
Please read all this information carefully – thank you ***Individual start times/race numbers will be published the midweek pre event***
Venue & Directions – Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire, NG32 1PE
- Belvoir Castle is situated in the heart of the Vale of Belvoir, between Nottingham and Grantham.
- Follow this link for directions to Belvoir Castle on Google maps
- Please remember that cyclists will be out on the cycle course and if any of your friends and family are arriving after 7.30am, please drive carefully on your approach to the estate – thank you
Car Parking
- Car parking will be signposted to the event field from Woolsthorpe road - left turn if coming from Woolsthorpe and right turn if coming from Belvoir: https://w3w.co/clubbing.limit.wage
- PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE MAIN BELVOIR CASTLE VISITORS CAR PARK.
- Car parking – each car is charged at £5 - all profits go to the charity Headway.
- Please ensure you have the correct cash/card on entry to avoid unnecessary queuing – thank you
Registration – Event day
The Registration will be located in the Event Village - https://w3w.co/sheepish.cured.hamper
Saturday Registration Opens: 5:00am
- All competitors will receive one race numbers (to be pinned at least all 4 corners of your race top)
- Timing chips will be attached to your Race Number.
- Please ensure your race number is visible at all times.
TERRAIN
- A mixture of grass, tarmac, gravel and cross-country trails
- Hazards may include wet slippery surfaces including down-hills, grass, mud, twigs/branches from tree fall, loose stones and gullies formed by water erosion
- A hybrid run trainer is ideal – park claw type shoe.
RACE FORMAT
- 20km Canicross – From 6:00am – 1 or 2 x Runners & dogs set off at 20/30 sec intervals
- 10km CaniCross - From 6.30am – 1 or 2 x Runners & dogs set off at 20 sec intervals*
- 5km CaniCross - From 7 00am as above
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- 2.5km CaniCross - From 7:30am as above
Start times and format have been composed to allow time for nervous dogs, humans, reactive dogs, people with 2 dogs etc.
As the event is timing chipped, it does allow an element of ‘free flow’ on the day with regards to people doing 2 events etc so please be patient with us and for your fellow competitors. We will try to keep to the timings as closely as possible but we wish to retain an informal no pressure atmosphere, especially for those beginning their canicross journey. Thank you in advance.
- Competitors must do their utmost to ensure that their dogs do not interfere with other runners or dogs.
- Your Start Time will be based on your estimated finish time submitted at entry AND/OR any special requests/reactive dogs noted etc.
***As always, we will aim to keep to schedule, however things happen, and our focus is ensuring everyone is safe in each race. Please keep your ears open to the commentator who will keep you in the loop with timings and any delays.
Please be patient, be courteous. We are only human after all (although on a daily basis we wish we lived a dogs life!)
The Run
- Your race number must be clearly visible on the front of your outer clothing.
- We recommend all competitors are always self sufficient so please wear a lightweight rucksack (if you have one) with bottled water for your dog, poo bags etc. Please put your filled poo bags in your rucksack and dispose of after the race.
- Humans - For competitors doing the longer distances, there will be a feed station on course and you will have the option of water or energy drink provided by our fuelling partners OTE.
- Hounds - There will be water provided for the dogs at these feed stations and at the finish.
RUN COURSES
- On the virtual links you can scroll around the course with your cursor, hovering over the profile at the bottom of the map.
The Run route will be fully signed and marshalled in key points HOWEVER it is your responsibility to be familiar with the Run course, do not just follow the person in front of you.
KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND LOOK OUT FOR SIGNS!
Equipment for your Dogs
- Dogs must wear a suitable harness and be attached to their handler by a line containing some bungee to act as a shock absorber.
- We aren’t requesting a specific lead length but please keep it “short” and appropriate for the route.
- No head collars, shock collars, choke chains or flexi leads are permitted. Whips are not permitted.
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- Muzzles may be used but they must be the open, basket type, through which dogs can drink and take treats.
- Runners are not allowed to wear shoes that could be dangerous for dogs. Shoes with metal spikes are strictly forbidden.
- Exceptions may be granted regarding the above equipment requirements if a competitor is learning how to canicross (debut), then a hand-held leash and flat (classic) collar will be accepted.
The competitor must make this known at registration; exceptions are at the discretion of the Race director.
Safety Briefing
- All competitors are required to attend.
- 20km Event 6:00am Start – Briefing at 5:45am
- 10km Event 6:30am Start – Briefing at 6:15am
- 5km Event 7:00am Start – Briefing at 6:45am
- 2.5km Event 7:30am Start – Briefing at 7:15am
- This will be delivered by the Event Director over the Mic near the Transition.
- We understand that the dogs quite rightly get excited around this time as they sense something fun is about to commence! So please if you have any family/friends with you, hand your dog over to them to walk them around the estate or certainly away from this immediate area where the briefing will take place.
- For those that are attending by themselves, please keep your dog safe and sound with you. It might be too hot for them to be in cars and left in tents/motorhomes. Who knows with the crazy British weather?! Please communicate this to the Registration staff who may volunteer to hold your dog for you All trusted peoples and dog lovers!
- We understand some other event organisers give safety briefings prior to the event online (because of the noisy crowds ), however we feel this information/lay out etc is best explained and demonstrated in person on the day.
Qualified First Aiders will be available during races. The contact details of an on-call vet will be available at the Registration should anyone require them.
Accidents and Responsibilities
- Control of your dog is required at all times.
- Dog on leads at all times.
- The rightful owner of a dog is required to have liability insurance (or family insurance) for any damages that their dog may commit, or injuries that the dog may cause.
- The rightful owner of a dog is the person named as such in the dog’s vaccination book and/or official paperwork. The rightful owner must ensure that the animal is owned (cared for) in accordance with the law.
- The event will be covered by public liability insurance as standard.
- We do not accept any liability for damage caused to third party property by our competitors dogs or the competitors themselves.
- We also will not accept any liability for injury caused to third parties by our competitors or their dogs.
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Dogs
- We welcome any breed or cross breed of dog, but they must be at least 12 months old.
- Swapping of dogs during a race is not permitted.
- Bitches in season are not excluded from competing; however, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that adequate precautions are taken and that they acknowledge full liability.
- Owners must inform race organisers if they intend to compete with a bitch in season so provisions can be made. For example, they may be asked to start at the back to ensure the smallest number of issues. They will also need to be kept away from the group during briefings and at the start/end of a race.
- No pregnant or nursing bitches are allowed to compete.
- Dogs that have been coughing or have been in contact with infectious diseases within the previous 21 days should not be brought to the event.
- Nobody should race dogs that are nervous of humans, as this can cause undue stress to these dogs.
- It is strongly recommended that dogs receive a vet health check before competing at our event.
- Any dogs deemed unfit to race by either the race Vet or event organisers must be withdrawn from competition.
Borrowing of Dogs
- Although the swapping, lending and borrowing of dogs is not prohibited, anyone running a dog that is not owned by them must disclose this at Registration
- Ultimately it is the rightful owner’s responsibility to ensure that the person they are lending their dog to is able to read the dog’s signals in order to anticipate any problems before they happen and if a situation should occur they are capable of handling it.
- They must also be confident the dog is sound when approaching and being approached by other dogs.
- For the safety of the dog being lent out, the runner should also be made aware of the dogs limitations, signs that the dog may be having difficulties and have undertaken a number of training runs before entering a race.
- If there is any doubt that the runner is not capable or the dog could act unpredictably, the entry should not be submitted or withdrawn.
- If a situation occurs the rightful owner of the dog will be held responsible.
Welfare, Temperature and Distances
- We advise you build your dogs distance up over several weeks/months.
- If your dog is overweight, unfit, not used to exercise, recovering from illness, of advancing years, or you have any doubt about your dogs ability, please consult your vet OR Black Cat Vet Physio onsite BEFORE you race.
- We advise you to carry a bottle of water in a small pack. Always carry water with you just in case it is needed. We will provide bowls of water and small pools of water on course for the longer distances and at the end of the races for any dogs that need it.
- Familiarise yourself with your dog’s normal behaviour while running, prior to the event. If at any time they show any signs they are struggling (excessive foaming at the mouth, shaking the head or pulling to the side), immediately find a shaded place to stop (preferably with a cool breeze) and give them some water.
- It is essential that you respect the welfare of your dogs and that you adapt your pace accordingly.
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- At any ‘pinch points’ PLEASE refrain from overtaking unless it is safe for you AND YOUR DOG to do so. Consider your dog BEFORE any competitiveness and rash decision making.
- In hot temperatures, watch your dog’s behaviour for 1/2hr after your run – this is the most critical time when they are likely to overheat.
Spectators
- We have always been conscious of trying to make our events as spectator friendly as possible. Please encourage your friends and family to attend and enjoy your day together. This venue is brilliant for spectators allowing you to be up close to watch most of the run
- We feel privileged and very excited to put this event at this iconic estate on the calendar. Please respect the estate, private areas, event organising team/volunteers and above all respect the competitors, keeping within spectator areas and using the designated crossing points - enjoy this glorious setting.
- Car parking - £5 per car All profits go to Headway Charity. Please ensure you have the correct cash/card on arrival.
- Our partners listed below will be provide delicious coffee, iced coffee, great food, and ice cream down at the Event Hub – close to the transition area. We also have a few deck chairs dotted around for to relax and enjoy the view!
- Cheer your family & friends on but please do not restrict competitor view and the course – thank you
- Please respect the helpers/marshals and one-way systems and barriers in place to ensure everyone’s safety
Results
- Timing chips will be used on this event making it possible for you to view your time soon after crossing the finish line.
- Please hand your timing chip back soon after crossing the finish line. If you lose your chip, you will be charged£60!
- Results will be provided from Titanium Race Timing
- A full set of FINAL results will be available on www.endorphinsport.com the evening following the event.
- Any disputes or amendments must be made immediately via the race directors/referee ON THE DAY. Before the presentation.
Presentation/Prizes
Exact timings will be released over the PA so, please keep your ears open!
PRESENTATION:
- Aiming from 8:15am – 8:30am*
- Prizes will be awarded to fastest 1st,2nd and 3rd Hound & Human (Open & Females overall & Relay) for every distance
- We will have prizes provided by the awesome Snow Paw Store and ThreePeaksNaturals!
*As always, we will aim to keep to schedule, however things happen, and our focus is ensuring everyone is safe in each race. Please keep your ears open to the commentator who will keep you in the loop with timings and any delays.
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You may have won a prize and we are unable to send or arrange for these to be picked up after the event. IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE BEFORE THE PRESENTATION, PERHAPS ASK SOMEONE ELSE YOU KNOW TO COLLECT YOUR PRIZE.
We are a very eco conscious company choosing to work with UK based independent companies, all of trophies/medals are DESIGNED and MADE in the UK so PLEASE check the results before you leave as it can often be heart breaking when we see all these stunning sustainable Awards go to waste essentially!
Partners/Trade Stands
The Event Hub will be located very close to the transition area
Snow Paw Store providing all your Canicross needs & doggy retail therapy
Three Peaks Naturals a passion for sustainability and providing healthy 100% natural treats. Black Cat Veterinary Physiotherapist providing FREE pre/post event checks on your bestest buds.
Café Allez The best tasting coffee/teas around!
The Gastropod will be providing their excellent renowned food!
Lulabelles Ice Cream and Horsebox Ice cream supplying luxury delicious ice cream over the weekend!
Purely Wood Fired Pizza - will be on site Friday/Saturday & Sunday. The first ever Wood Fired Pizza van in the UK! No Two Cycles Any last-minute bike tweaks and all day on race day for event support!
Central Therapy Pre/Post-event sports therapy will be on hand all day on race day for sports massage, taping, injury assessment and advice. A complex 8.0 electrical stimulation device will be available for an alternative elite recovery method.
OTE are the events nutrition suppliers
Close by the event is also the estates engine yard that offers eateries & plenty of shops to visit.
Photography
- Free downloads for entrants finish photos with the iconic castle in the back drop – supplied by Mick Hall Photography
Medical Support
- Medical cover will be provided by the fantastic team at Ultra Medix and will be positioned close to the transition area.
- Emergency Vet Contacts The contact details of an on-call vet will be available at the Registration should anyone require them and Black Cat Vetinary Physio will be onsite for immediate attention.
General Rules
- Please familiarise yourself with the timings and the run routes.
- Respect the helpers/marshals, any one way systems and barriers in place to ensure everyone’s safety – thank you.
- Please be mindful this venue is on a working estate so timings may change slightly to ensure everyone is safe and marshals are in place. Some on these timings may change – on the day – please be patient and kindthank you
- If a Race Marshal determines that a handler’s conduct at any time in the race area or on the trail is detrimental to the sport/race, that runner shall be disqualified. This includes prior to, during, and after the event.
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- If a dog becomes unfit or refuses to advance for any reason, the competitor is not permitted to finish the race. They must remain where they are and wait to be picked up by the event sweeper and advise a marshal as soon as possible if the dog is need of urgent attention
- It is deemed acceptable for your dog to be behind on downhill or at the side of you (if safe) on technical sections of a route or when it would be dangerous to do so.
- Otherwise your dog must be in front of you at all times and they must not be dragged at any point.
- When overtaking other runners on narrow trails, call before overtaking. If being overtaken, keep your dog close.
- At any ‘pinch points’ PLEASE refrain from overtaking unless it is safe for you AND YOUR DOG to do so. Consider your dog BEFORE any competitiveness and rash decision making.
- When passing other runners, each party should ensure this is done safely, allowing plenty of space for each runner and ensuring dogs do not become tangled.
- The competitor that is being overtaken must assume responsibility to ensure that their dogs are to one side of the track and do not interfere with the runner going past.
- Dogs should be attached to the competitor at all times except in cases of danger to dog or runner.
- It is recommended that competitors who have dogs who are worried by other canines should allow plenty of space for their dogs, especially at the start of the race, to alleviate any undue stress.
- If you have an aggressive or reactive dog, don't provide the opportunity for it to be out of control.
- The use of personal stereos, MP3 players or any electronic device with headphones etc that impairs the ability to hear marshals or other runners is strictly forbidden. Anyone using such a device will be asked to refrain immediately or be disqualified.
Helpers needed!
Please get in touch if you want to help for a free entry for you or family/friend. Helpers can volunteer to:
- Set up the day before
- During the event
- After the event for a free entry for any endorphinsport event.
Please message/ Email us at info@endorphinsport.com or Volunteer form is on our website to register your interest and let us know how you’d like to help, timings and your preferred role etc.
Our brilliant volunteers and their help, whether competing or not, is always VERY much appreciated and these events do not happen without you - Thank you – you are amazing ��
Camping – We still a few pitches left
- Camping will be available on Friday (from 3pm) & Saturday evening. You can book your pitches direct from our website: Book Camping
- Hot Showers (campers only) and toilets are available
- Purely Wood Fired Pizza will be there Friday & Saturday before the event from ready to take your orders
- A separate email will be sent separately to all campers with instructions.
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Club Gazebos
- Please be mindful this is not a public park, respect the event venue and the event organisers, it is courtesy to ask the event organiser before you rock up with a club gazebo or two!
- We are more than happy for you to promote your club and have a designated area for you club, friends, and family to enjoy the event, but please ask first – thank you
- You need to ensure you speak with the event organiser before event day. You will be allocated a pitch and instructions on how you need to erect it safely - guy ropes and weights on each leg. Failure to comply will result in the gazebo being taken down.
- This is for the health & safety of everyone at the event including YOU.
Further Information
- Please follow and tag us on social media as we love to see photos of you having a blast with your best buddies!
- As part of our T&C’s we do NOT issue refunds/transfers if you no longer can make the event due to a change in start times or delayed starts.
- The start times will NOT change drastically from the times listed on our website.
Please understand that we will be busy in the build-up to the event - we like the great outdoors and are not glued to our phones/lap tops all the time!
Litter
- Bins are provided around Registration as well as in the surrounding area encouraging the spectators and competitors to bin their litter.
- Please clean up after your dog and have poop bags on you at all times – we would like to maintain our good relations with the estate and the everyday users of these paths.
- Not picking up dog mess will result in disqualification, and you will not be invited back to future events.
Thank you for your support
We would like to thank you all for your support, especially over the challenging last couple of years and all the fantastic marshals/volunteers, whom without these events would never happen, to all the family & staff at Belvoir Castle Estate and all those behind the scenes that made it possible to run this event. Please respect the fact that all Volunteers/Marshall’s have given up their day/weekend so that you can enjoy the event and would not be possible without them, so please abide by their decision - they are there for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
Please, Be Patient, Be Kind and Think of Others – Thank you
COMPETITORS – you are never too tired to say THANK YOU to our amazing helpers – lets here you on course please – THANK YOU
Thank you everyone for your work and support ensuring we all enjoy the event!
Hopefully see you again at our remaining 2023 events: Take Care & Stay Active – all the family!
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Rebecca & Dean Hughes
Event Directors
Rebecca & Dean Hughes (Event Directors)
