Event Information
Please read all this information carefully – thank you ��
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:
- 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: From 5:00pm
- All competitors will receive a silicone swim cap to wear during the race. THIS MUST BE WORN.
- Timing chips will be used; these will be issued at Registration - please don’t forget to secure on your left ankle before going to the lake. If you lose your chip, you will be charged - £60!
- HELPERS PLEASE – we are always in need of an extra pairs of hands, even if it’s just for 20-30min to give someone a comfort break! Please let any of the event team know if you can help out on the day or email info@endorphinsport.com before the event. Any helpers can receive free entry (for themselves or friends/family) to future events - depending on how long they help for.
Event Timings –
- Long course (80m Swim/5km Run) will be set off from 6:30pm
- Short Course (80m Swim/2.5km) will be going off next.
- Individual Start Times can be found on the website and within your email update
- Please note: It is your responsibility to be in swim holding area 2-5mins before your allocated start time.
- Presentation aiming 10 mins after the last finisher. Approx 8:00pm. Timings may change, keep your eyes open to the commentary.
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Safety Briefing
- All competitors are required to attend.
- This will be at 06:15pm, with the event starting at 6:30am
- This will be delivered by the Event Director over the Mic DOWN by the lakeside.
- 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.
RACE FORMAT
- All entrants will be set off 1 minute intervals swimming first in the Open water lake, heading into Transition, and then heading out to the Run. (This should allow plenty of time for you both to get comfortable in the water without pressure).
- We will try our utmost to be supportive and flexible as we understand it may take time to encourage some dogs into the water and get them swimming.
- Competitors must do their utmost to ensure that their dogs do not interfere with other runners or dogs.
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.
***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!)
Transition Area –
- This will be in front of the lake, as soon as you exit your swim.
- This is where you will put your running kit, there will be a Stakeout line for you to choose where you would like to place your changeover kit.
- After you exit your swim, you will run/walk up to the Transition 10 metres away.
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- As soon as you enter Transition, please WALK to clip your dog onto a stake out line or have a family/friend to hold them whilst you get ready for your run, i.e take off wetsuit (if wearing one), put on your trainers etc.
- You will then attach your bungee lead to your dogs harness and WALK OUT of transition to the Run Start.
- If your dog suffers with their feet pads getting sore after coming out of water, we recommend doggy boots that will protect their feet and can be worn in the water too) – THESE CAN BE PURCHASED FROM SNOWPAWSTORE Retailer onsite.
- The run out the water is on grass/Transition is on grass, the first part of the run is on grass then off onto a mixture of grass and hard packed trail.
- ALL DOGS MUST BE ON A LEAD AT ALL TIMES.
- Entry to the transition area will require you to show your Timing chip. There will be one main entrance to the transition area.
- The transition area will only be open to competitors AND your assistants. This area will remain open throughout the duration of the event so if you are preparing to race or have finished racing, please be aware of competitors who are still racing, they will have right of way!
- It is important that you understand where all the entrances and exits are.
- Also make sure you set out your equipment, so that when you come into transition from the swim, your running gear is ready to go.
- Only competitors and assistants will be allowed in the Transition area.
- Marshalls will be on hand within this area to answer any questions.
- We do not accept any liability to the loss of or damage to your property whilst held in Transition.
- The Transition will be watched & manned by Marshals.
The Swim
- Please ensure you are around the Start of the Swim 2-5 mins before your swim time.
- You will be given your timing chip at Registration; please ensure you have this already on you before your start time.
- Please ensure if your dog is wearing a life Jacket, you have this on your dog just before your start time.
- Please feel free to use toys to throw into the water to encourage your dog to swim. (We will do our best to collect any toys that go astray whilst you’re swimming, however we cannot guarantee the safe return of them, these will be left on the bank for you to retrieve after your race or by your spectators)
- Please be mindful there will be mixed ability swimmers, so please try to avoid any collisions and look where you are swimming! ��
- The swim is a straight 40m out, turn around the buoy, 40m return to the pontoon.
- On completion of your swim distance, exit the lake using the pontoon over to the transition area (this is just a 10m run on grass).
- Conscious dogs can get super excited and this can sometimes make us as humans a bit anxious so please be patient, it’s not the end of the world if you have to take your dog away for a bit if there are delays and we’ll call you forward for the next slot.
- We can be flexible and are chilled, please remain calm to keep your dogs calm.
- Swim hats are supplied and are compulsory for safety reasons (so we can see you!)
- Please recce the swim exit and run into transition area and in/outs etc
- Please ensure you study the course maps - direction and distance
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- Your run time will start from when you exit the Transition area.
- 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.
There will be water provided for the dogs at the finish and at some point on the course – TBC.
RUN COURSE
- 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!
TERRAIN
- A mixture of grass, tarmac, gravel and cross-country trails
- Hazards may include wet slippery surfaces including down-hills, grass, mud, snow/ice, twigs/branches from tree fall, loose stones and gullies formed by water erosion – all of which may be hidden under thick blanket of leaves.
- A hybrid run trainer is ideal – park claw type shoe.
Equipment
- Dogs must wear a suitable harness and be attached to their handler by a line containing some bungee to act as a shock absorber.
- Wetsuits are optional, if you don’t have a wetsuit, it may be a good idea to wear a tight fitting light weight or swim skin top to protect your skin against potential scratches.
- Please feel free to wear googles to protect your eyes from potentially scrappy excited doggy paddle!
- A Life Jacket for your dog can really help your dog with swimming confidence and give us as their owners peace of mind. (However, this is not compulsory)
- Snow Paw Store will be onsite with us from Friday for all your Canicross needs & doggy retail therapy for this event. SO ANY KIT YOU DON’T HAVE OR FORGET, RACHEL WILL BE ABLE TO HELP.
6 The Run
They are kindly giving our entrants a savings code off the first order store wide with code
END23
They have also launched their own Doggy Life Jacket at a great entry price.
There is the option to rent one for £10 per day and if you’d like to purchase afterwards you will receive £5 off the sell price
You can order for delivery before the event or if you’d like to collect your order on event day then drop Rachel an email and this can be arranged.
Also regarding the life jackets, please email Rachel for advice regarding which size to choose or any other questions you may have.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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- 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
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.
- 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.
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- 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.
Camping - Still a few pitches left
- Idyllic lake side camping - the only time of year you can camp at this stunning venue!
- Make a weekend of it with camping Friday & Saturday night. Waking up a few meters away from the lake and remove the hassle of driving early in the morning to the venue.
- This is a pop up site with warm/hot showers, porta loos and water access with stunning scenery.
- Book camping here
- A separate email will be sent separately to all campers with specific instructions.
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 at the finish. 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/Technical Official ON THE DAY.
Presentation/Prizes
Exact timings will be released over the PA so, please keep your ears open!
PRESENTATION:
- Aiming for 8:15PM – 8:30PM*
- Prizes will be awarded to fastest 1st,2nd and 3rd Hound & Human (Open & Females overall & Relay) for every distance – Long & Short Course.
- We will have prizes from 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.
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.
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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!
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.
Medical
- As always we have the wonderful Ultramedix present for the weekend. We like to keep then quiet but if anyone should need treatment they 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.
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 kind - thank 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.
- 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, 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.
- 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.
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- 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 reactive/aggressive dog, don't provide the opportunity for it to be out of control. Do not put your dog into a situation or proximity whereby another person/dog may put at risk of getting bitten.
- If this happens and there is proof that your dog was the cause of another dog or person’s injury, you will be contacted and asked to settle that person’s vets bills as that is the right thing to do. This is why we ask that you have the relevant insurance in place.
- 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 endoprphinsport event.
Our Volunteer’s form is on our website to register your interest and lets us know which event you’d like to help, your preferred role etc. Alternatively drop us an email at info@endorphinsport,com
Our volunteers and their help, whether competing or not, are always VERY much appreciated and these events do not happen without you - Thank you!
Refreshments/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!
Award winning dairy ice cream served from a vintage ice cream !
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.
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OTE are the events nutrition suppliers – feed stations will be on the bike & run for the Middle distance competitors. Drink station on the run course and finish for all competitors.
Close by the event is also the estates engine yard that offers eateries & plenty of shops to visit.
Further Information -
- Please check www.endorphinsport.com for all event information and Facebook page & Instagram for updates.
- Please note that will not be checking emails the week before the event so visit www.endorphinsport.com and you can you find the information you need by reading the event guide thoroughly.
- Emails will be replied to on a priority basis. If you cannot attend the event please read our Withdrawal Policy carefully. If you must withdraw, we will issue a race credit not a refund.
- Please understand that we will be busy in the weeks before the event - we like the great outdoors and are not glued to our phones/lap tops all the time!
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!
Rebecca & Dean Hughes Event Directors
Rebecca & Dean Hughes (Event Directors)
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