A FORM of running with dogs attached to their owners by elasticated harnesses is surging in popularity across Europe and North America.
‘Canicross’ – which sees runners wear a waist belt connected to a pulling harness on their dog – has experienced a sharp rise in participation since 2023, with new data suggesting the sport is attracting increasing numbers of women, families and first-time runners.
In the US, registrations to the North American Canicross (NACC) Titling Program increased by 243% between 2023 and 2025, with more than 1,100 people now signed up. The largest participant group is women aged 30 to 39.
The growth isn’t confined to national organisations. Chicago Canicross Club almost doubled its active membership, from 60 people in 2025 to 113 in 2026, while the organisation estimates that at least three quarters of its participants in 2025 were trying the sport for the first time.
In Europe, the Belgian Canicross Federation recorded around 4,550 event entries in 2025, compared with approximately 3,250 in 2023 – a 40% increase.
Individual clubs are reporting similar growth. Canicross Brussels has expanded from just 10 active members in 2023 to 150 in 2026, while French club Loucanicross says its membership has increased by 50% since 2024, with most participants taking part recreationally rather than competitively.
The UK is seeing strong participation too. At Lakeland Paws events, women accounted for 61% of participants, rising to around 65% on shorter courses.
What is canicross?
At its simplest, canicross is running with your dog – but with the dog taking an active role in pulling.
The runner wears a purpose-made belt around their hips and the dog wears a pulling harness. The two are connected by a bungee line, which provides some give as the dog moves ahead.
The arrangement leaves the runner’s hands free and allows the dog to run naturally in front, with the pair working together through verbal commands for direction, pace and stopping.
For a fit, enthusiastic dog, that pulling power can also make a noticeable difference to the runner’s speed.
Professional distance runner Vanessa Fraser recently demonstrated just how much assistance a dog can provide. Running alongside her three-year-old dog Gigi at the San Francisco Dog Mile, Fraser completed the mile in 4min 31sec – four seconds faster than her official personal best.
Fraser said the first half of the race felt particularly fast while Gigi was pulling strongly, with the difference becoming noticeable when her dog began to tire.
More than just a race
While canicross has a competitive side, much of its recent growth appears to be coming from people who aren’t interested in racing at an elite level.
Clubs and organisations across the US and Europe are reporting increasing numbers of newcomers, families and recreational runners. North American Canicross, for example, has used free group runs, local meet-ups and educational events to introduce people to the sport.
That accessibility is part of its appeal. You don’t need to be an experienced runner to try canicross, and it isn’t restricted to a particular breed of dog. For owners who already enjoy walking or running with their dogs, it offers another way of exercising together – with the added element of working as a team.
There can also be a social side. Group runs give owners the chance to meet other dog lovers while their dogs get the opportunity to run alongside other animals.
The sport’s growing popularity also reflects a broader interest in outdoor activities that involve dogs rather than leaving them at home.
Canicross has its roots in dog-powered sports and has long been established in parts of Europe, but its growing presence in North America is helping introduce it to a much wider audience.
The equipment has evolved alongside the sport, with specialist harnesses, belts and bungee lines designed to distribute pulling forces more comfortably between dog and runner.
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