Venue: Staunton Harold Hall, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1RT
Welcome to the XC Staunton Harold Canicross Races, thank you for your support and we look forward to see you at the weekend!
Thank you to the owners and all staff at the estate. Please respect the estate, private areas and enjoy this glorious setting.
Event Information
Please read all this information carefully – thank you ��
Venue & Directions -
Staunton Harold Estate is situated a few miles from junction 13 of the M42 for Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Follow this link for directions to Staunton Harold Estate on Google maps
Car parking will be available in the field of hope – sign posted. Entry to the estate is free, however please note you will need £2 for parking – all proceeds go to Headway Charity.
Registration – Event day
The Registration will be in front of the Hall (https://w3w.co/january.megawatt.shadow)
Saturday Registration Opens: 7am
- All competitors will receive one race numbers (to be pinned at least all 4 corners of your race top. Please bring your own safety pins
- Timing chips will be attached to your Race Number.
- Please ensure your race number is visible at all times
TERRAIN
- A mixture of 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.
RACE FORMAT
- 10km CaniCross - From 8.30am - 2 x Runners & dogs set off at 20 sec intervals*
- 5km CaniCross - From 8.55am as above
- 2.5km CaniCross - From 9:20am as above
- A Provisional Start Time List will be sent initially, once we have closed entries on Thursday 9th March Midday, we will send out a Final Start List to accommodate the late entries so timings above may be set back slightly.
*we have trail runs scheduled to start at 10am and are unable to have Canicross and Trail Run Competitors on course at the same time as stipulated by the Trail Running Association)
- 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.
***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.
- The Run starts on the bridge, between the 2 lakes, up past the Hall and Finish Gantry, past the Ferrers centre and through the estate grounds on paths & trails through the National Forest - Biggin Wood.
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!
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.
- 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.
Safety Briefing
- All competitors are required to attend
- This will be at 08:00am, with the event starting at 08:30am
- This will be delivered by the Event Director over the Mic near Registration
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.
- 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.
- We will ask to see a copy of this after you’ve entered, if you aren’t able to supply it then you’ll need to switch to the non- canicross event.
- 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.
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.
AGE
- The usual trail running minimum age rules apply.
- Runners must be 12 or over to take part in the 5km
- 15 or over to take part in the 10km.
- Dogs must be at least 12 months old.
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.
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.
- 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 at the end of the races for any dogs that need it.
- Please note there are no water stations in route for the dogs however there is water at the finish and at the start of the 2nd lap for the 10k distance
- 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.
- 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. Also, entry to the estate is free – apart from car parking - £2. All proceeds go to Headway Charity and Marie Curie.
- There is also the estates independent centre that offers eateries, food deli, shops, and a garden centre.
- Please respect the private areas and ensure they are all aware of the procedures/measure we have in place to keep everyone safe
Results
- Timing chips will be used on this event making it possible for you to view your time soon after crossing the finish line.
- 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.
- A full set of results will be displayed 15min before the presentation.
- Any disputes or amendments must be made immediately via the race directors/referee ON THE DAY.
Presentation/Prizes
Exact timings will be released over the PA so, please keep your ears open!
PRESENTATION:
- Aiming for 10am*
- Prizes will be awarded to fastest 1st,2nd and 3rd Hound & Human (Males & Females overall).
*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.
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 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.
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.
- 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 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 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 –
- Water will be provided at the finish for both hound and human
- Snow Paw Store will be providing all the canicross and doggy retail therapy you need!
- We are joined by Rob from Boxed Drinks for coffee, refuelling and cake!
- There is the estates independent centre that offers eateries, food deli, craft shops, and a garden centre.
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!
Thank you
We would like to thank you for your support, especially over the last couple of years and all the fantastic marshals/volunteers, whom without these events would never happen, to all the family & staff at the Staunton Harold Estate and all those that made it possible to run this event.
Please respect the fact that all Volunteers/Marshall’s have given up their day 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.
Again, we would like to thank all marshals and volunteers for all their hard work and support ensuring we all enjoy the event!
Please say thank you to all marshals out on the course ☺
Please, Be Patient, Be Kind and Think of Others – Thank you ☺ Enjoy the event and hopefully see you again soon!
Staunton Harold Off Road Duathlon – 12th March 2023
East Leake Triathlon 26th March 2023
Staunton Harold Swim Challenge 10th June 2023
Staunton Harold Triathlon 11th June 2023
Belvoir Castle Half Marathon 2nd September
Belvoir Castle 3rd September 2023
East Leake ‘End of Season’ 24th September 2023
Rebecca & Dean Hughes (Event Directors)