There has been much discussion regarding the UK Athletics guidelines on running with dogs. There remains a level of ambiguity and we will continue to seek clarification. Consequently, we have reviewed our policy on club members running with dogs.
As a club we have generally welcomed dogs on our runs and we know that many of you enjoy the experience of running with your dog. Whilst we wait for clarification from UK Athletics, if you intend to bring your dog on a club run, please ensure you familiarise yourself with the current club guidance detailed below and also our updated risk assessment which can be viewed by following the link at the bottom of the page.
The key message points are: –
- All dogs joining club runs must be insured with public liability insurance. Runners with dogs will be asked to agree to take personal responsibility and confirm that they have the requested level of insurance cover as an integral part of the club membership renewal in April.
- No dogs to run with the OO groups on streetlight lit routes around the town, during the winter nights.
- Run Leaders with dogs (Ian and Tim) will lead/support headtorch runs out of town, weather permitting on Monday nights. Dogs will be welcome on those runs.
- The summer out of town runs, dogs will be welcome.
- RL will post the planned route in advance for each group run on the club WhatsApp and Facebook, highlighting considered risk on any section of the route (i.e., terrain, traffic works etc.) for the runner / dog owner to be aware of.
- All runners must respect the instruction given to them by the RL ahead of each run.
- RL will highlight if he/she does not consider the route or the attendance in the group appropriate for a dog.
- RL to remind dog owner of basic Canicross safety instructions before run: –
- We advise that dogs should be at least 12 months old.
- Carry water for your dog
- Dogs to be kept under appropriate at all times.
- Dogs to wear a reflective lead/harness
- Dogs must wear a suitable run harness that can be attached to their owner by a line containing some bungee to act as a shock absorber.
- Line to be no more than 1.5 metres when fully extended. No flexi leads.
- When overtaking other runners call before overtaking and keep dog close i.e. shout passing on right/left.
- Follow guidelines for running in warm weather (see below).
- Run Leaders will ask the runner with a dog either run at front of group or back of group
We are trying to ensure that we have considered risks to other runners, members of the public as well as to your dogs.
By putting these measures in place, we hope to continue to enjoy having dogs as part of most of the club runs.
As and when we receive further guidance from UK Athletics, we will update you accordingly.