FAQs
Here you will find out everything you need to know about Waggy Races!
1. What is Waggy Races?
Based in N. Ireland, Waggy Races is a cross country fun run for you compete as a team with your dog(s). Competitors run, jog or walk a 5k course attached to their 4-legged team mates.
Since starting Waggy Races in 2014, we have been staging 3 or 4 races per year at some of NI's most beautiful locations.
The sport of running with dogs is called canicross.
Since starting Waggy Races in 2014, we have been staging 3 or 4 races per year at some of NI's most beautiful locations.
The sport of running with dogs is called canicross.
2. WhAT ARE THE ENTRY CATEGORIES?
We have three entry categories:
===> 1 person & 1 dog
===> 1 person & 2 dogs
===> PACK (2 people & 1 dog)
===> 1 person & 1 dog
===> 1 person & 2 dogs
===> PACK (2 people & 1 dog)
3. I'm scared! How competitive is Waggy Races?
We get the full range, from competitive athletes to complete beginners and walkers. You will not be out of your depth as you will start the race in a group with people of similar ability.
===> RUNNER/JOGGER – you expect to run/jog the 5k course. You will be grouped into starting waves based on the estimated 5k time you provide on your entry form.
===> WALKER - you walk the course! Walkers start en masse 15 mins before the runners and cheer the runners on the course as they pass!
===> RUNNER/JOGGER – you expect to run/jog the 5k course. You will be grouped into starting waves based on the estimated 5k time you provide on your entry form.
===> WALKER - you walk the course! Walkers start en masse 15 mins before the runners and cheer the runners on the course as they pass!
4. What sort of dog can be a Waggy Racer?
All dogs can run but some are better runners than others. As a very rough guide, a dog should be one year old before undergoing strenuous exercise, although it depends on the breed. Some dogs are ok at a younger age. Please consult your vet if in doubt.
We get all shapes and sizes - there is no breed restriction or upper age limit but common sense should prevail. Do not enter with your 15 year old, 20 stone Bull Mastiff who struggles to walk from the kitchen to the living room! Similarly, if you are an elite athlete, do not expect your teacup Yorkshire Terrier to keep up.
We get all shapes and sizes - there is no breed restriction or upper age limit but common sense should prevail. Do not enter with your 15 year old, 20 stone Bull Mastiff who struggles to walk from the kitchen to the living room! Similarly, if you are an elite athlete, do not expect your teacup Yorkshire Terrier to keep up.
5. What distance is A Race?
Most courses will be 5km (3.1 miles) and will be mixed terrain with marshals, signs and flags to guide you. There will be water stops and distance markers at regular intervals.
6. We only have one dog - can I run with a friend or family member?
Yes! We have a PACK category (2 people/1 dog)!
One of the team must be attached to the dog, while the additional team member can run freely alongside or attach via a second lead.
One of the team must be attached to the dog, while the additional team member can run freely alongside or attach via a second lead.
7. When is the next race?
Races are listed on this website and are scheduled to avoid the summer months (have you ever tried running in a fur coat in June?). Follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for updates. You can also register your email address at the bottom of the page so you don't miss out.
8. Why should I enter Waggy Races?
It is very rare that you get a chance to compete in a race as part of a team! In Waggy Races you form a team with your dog(s), while you exercise in some of the country's most beautiful places. You will be doing this with like minded people and above all else.....your dogs will love it!
Many people feel intimidated at the prospect of entering a 'normal' race or they have no one to enter with - at Waggy Races, you have no excuse!
Many people feel intimidated at the prospect of entering a 'normal' race or they have no one to enter with - at Waggy Races, you have no excuse!
9. What equipment do I need?
All you will need is a dog, a lead/waist belt & line and a collar/harness .
*The ‘belt and line’ is preferred as it allows the owner to run hands free.
*A harness allows the dog to pull from the chest (not from the neck), allowing a more comfortable run.
*Choke/half choke chains and extending leads longer than 2 meters are NOT permitted.
*The ‘belt and line’ is preferred as it allows the owner to run hands free.
*A harness allows the dog to pull from the chest (not from the neck), allowing a more comfortable run.
*Choke/half choke chains and extending leads longer than 2 meters are NOT permitted.
10. What should I wear?
Courses are mixed terrain - trail paths, tarmac, grass, sand and fields. Running shoes, or ideally, trail running shoes, would be most suitable. Football/rugby type boots or cross country spikes are not allowed.
11. How can I enter?
Entry is online on this website via Credit/Debit card or Paypal.
Once we have received payment, you will receive notification from Paypal of your place on the coveted Waggy Races start line!
Once we have received payment, you will receive notification from Paypal of your place on the coveted Waggy Races start line!
12. What can I expect on race day?
Registration usually opens around 2 hours before the race and you should aim to arrive early to register, get your bearings and enjoy the atmosphere! At registration you receive your race, wave and lane number.
The podium ceremony/prizes takes place immediately after the race.
Full details are emailed prior to the event.
The podium ceremony/prizes takes place immediately after the race.
Full details are emailed prior to the event.
13. What format does the race take?
Wave start
Participants are grouped according to expected race pace and are released in waves.
Walkers are released first, followed 15 mins later by the runners, who are released at 1 minute intervals. You will be assigned your starting lane & wave at registration.
Participants are grouped according to expected race pace and are released in waves.
Walkers are released first, followed 15 mins later by the runners, who are released at 1 minute intervals. You will be assigned your starting lane & wave at registration.
14. What if my dog needs to make a toilet stop during the race?
Bins will be available at registration, frequently around the course and at the start and finish lines. We encourage responsible dog ownership – YOU are responsible for picking up after your dog(s).
15. WHY ARE THERE NO PRIZES IN THE WALKING CATEGORY?
The walking category is an option for Waggy Racers who want to be part of the event but don't want to run 5km. We usually have a large group of walkers setting off 15 mins before the runners.
We don't do prizes for the walkers as it can at times be a little open to interpretation what constitutes a 'walk' (If you are feeling plucky, you are fully entitled to break into a jog....and we don't have Olympics style foot-plant technology to detect those who break into a jog!)
We don't do prizes for the walkers as it can at times be a little open to interpretation what constitutes a 'walk' (If you are feeling plucky, you are fully entitled to break into a jog....and we don't have Olympics style foot-plant technology to detect those who break into a jog!)
