Ethan and Florence collar GB slot in canicross champs
When teenager Ethan Cameron takes his dog for a walk, it’s never just a stroll around the local park.
The 17-year-old Wallace High School pupil has been involved in the sport of canicross for the past five years and recently took part in the world championships in France.
Canicross is the sport of cross country running with dogs. Originating in Europe as offseason training for the sledding community, it has become popular as a standalone sport.
It can be run with one or two dogs, always attached to the runner who wears a waist belt, while the dog has a specifically designed harness. The runner and animal is joined by a bungee cord or elastic line that reduces shock to both human and dog when the dog pulls.
The sixth-year student competes in races around the UK with his team Lodestar Cani-x and his three-year-old husky Florence.
They were both part of the GB team that made the journey to Plédran in France for the ICF Cani-cross World Championships, Ethan’s first international event and through the BSSF (British Sled dog Sports Federation) was selected to be part of the team racing in the Junior Male category.
The event attracted more than 800 athletes and more than 1000 dogs from 28 countries as well as 10,000-plus visitors over four days.
Ethan finished 13th overall in his category but enjoyed the experience and seeing how international competitions are managed and run which has given him the focus to compete at more championships in the future.
Dad Alan said: “He has been training hard in the lead up to the world championships. Friends, family and the members of the Lodestar Cani-x team have been so supportive of his selection, offering advice, and helping him train six times a week.”