FAQs
Here you will find out everything you need to know about Waggy Races!
What is Waggy Races?
Based in N. Ireland, we organise cross country fun run for you to enter with your dog(s).
Set in beautiful locations, competitors run (or walk) a 5k course with their hairy team mates.
Waggy Races was born in 2014 and we have staged 2-3 race events per year, as well as organising informal hikes and training sessions.
What are the entry categories?
We have three: 1 person & 1 dog | 1 person & 2 dogs | Pack (2 people & 1 dog)
Just how competitive is Waggy Races?
We get the full range, from competitive athletes to complete beginners and walkers.
You won't be out of your depth though, as you will start the race in a group of similar ability.
What sort of dog do I need?
We get all shapes and sizes - from chihuahuas and teacup yorkies, right up to giant breeds such as Great Danes and Newfoundlands. There is no breed restriction or upper age limit but common sense should prevail - all dogs can run but some are better than others. As a 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.
How does a race work?
Most races are 5km (3.1 miles). Courses are mixed terrain with marshals, signs and flags to guide you.
Participants are grouped according to expected race pace and are released in waves. Walkers are released first, followed 10-15mins later by the runners, who are released at 1 minute intervals.
Is Waggy Races a charity event?
Waggy Races has a charity partner rather than being principally a charity event. After each race we make a donation to our charity partner (currently K9 Search and Rescue NI and the National Trust NI). Previously we have partnered with Guide Dogs NI and Aaron's Army (the registered charity of Team Kerr).
When's the next race?
We usually organise two races per year - in the Spring and in the Autumn. They are listed on this website and advertised on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. They are scheduled to avoid the summer months. You can also register your email address on this website so you don't miss a race.
Do I need any fancy gear to enter?
Nope. Just a dog, a lead/waist belt & line and a collar/harness .
*The waist belt and line allows the owner to run hands free. A harness is preferred as it allows the dog to pull from the chest. Choke/half choke chains and extending leads longer than 2 meters are NOT permitted.
Running shoes, or ideally, trail running shoes, would be most suitable as courses are mixed terrain.
What can I expect on race day?
Lots of barking! 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.
What if my dog needs to make a toilet stop during the race?
Bins are available at registration, every few hundred metres along the course and at the start and finish lines.
We encourage responsible dog ownership – YOU are responsible for picking up after your dog(s).
Why are there no prizes for walking?
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 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!)
What do you do with my personal information?
When you complete online entry for one of our events, you will submit some basic personal information to us - for example your email address and mobile number. We will never pass this information on to anyone else. We will use your details to contact you about the race you are entering and to keep you posted about future Waggy Races events.
Before submitting an online entry form, you will be asked to tick a box to indicate your consent to us storing your details.
Our full Privacy Policy is available HERE.
What is your cancellation policy?
We do not offer a refund for those who cancel their entry.
If an event is cancelled or postponed due to reasons beyond our control, entrants will automatically be entered, free of charge into the next (or rescheduled) race.
Did I hear you also organise hikes?
You did indeed. We organise a few hikes each year, usually in the Mourne Mountains. These are very informal and are open to anyone who fancies joining. Find out about our previous hikes here.
Finally, why should I enter Waggy Races?
In Waggy Races you are in a team with your dog(s). You'll be exercising in some of the country's most beautiful places. The race day atmosphere is second to none. You'll be surrounded by 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 do not have that excuse...
Based in N. Ireland, we organise cross country fun run for you to enter with your dog(s).
Set in beautiful locations, competitors run (or walk) a 5k course with their hairy team mates.
Waggy Races was born in 2014 and we have staged 2-3 race events per year, as well as organising informal hikes and training sessions.
What are the entry categories?
We have three: 1 person & 1 dog | 1 person & 2 dogs | Pack (2 people & 1 dog)
Just how competitive is Waggy Races?
We get the full range, from competitive athletes to complete beginners and walkers.
You won't be out of your depth though, as you will start the race in a group of similar ability.
- RUNNER – Runners are grouped into starting waves based on their estimated 5k time
- WALKER - Walkers start en masse 10-15 mins before the runners
What sort of dog do I need?
We get all shapes and sizes - from chihuahuas and teacup yorkies, right up to giant breeds such as Great Danes and Newfoundlands. There is no breed restriction or upper age limit but common sense should prevail - all dogs can run but some are better than others. As a 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.
How does a race work?
Most races are 5km (3.1 miles). Courses are mixed terrain with marshals, signs and flags to guide you.
Participants are grouped according to expected race pace and are released in waves. Walkers are released first, followed 10-15mins later by the runners, who are released at 1 minute intervals.
Is Waggy Races a charity event?
Waggy Races has a charity partner rather than being principally a charity event. After each race we make a donation to our charity partner (currently K9 Search and Rescue NI and the National Trust NI). Previously we have partnered with Guide Dogs NI and Aaron's Army (the registered charity of Team Kerr).
When's the next race?
We usually organise two races per year - in the Spring and in the Autumn. They are listed on this website and advertised on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. They are scheduled to avoid the summer months. You can also register your email address on this website so you don't miss a race.
Do I need any fancy gear to enter?
Nope. Just a dog, a lead/waist belt & line and a collar/harness .
*The waist belt and line allows the owner to run hands free. A harness is preferred as it allows the dog to pull from the chest. Choke/half choke chains and extending leads longer than 2 meters are NOT permitted.
Running shoes, or ideally, trail running shoes, would be most suitable as courses are mixed terrain.
What can I expect on race day?
Lots of barking! 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.
What if my dog needs to make a toilet stop during the race?
Bins are available at registration, every few hundred metres along the course and at the start and finish lines.
We encourage responsible dog ownership – YOU are responsible for picking up after your dog(s).
Why are there no prizes for walking?
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 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!)
What do you do with my personal information?
When you complete online entry for one of our events, you will submit some basic personal information to us - for example your email address and mobile number. We will never pass this information on to anyone else. We will use your details to contact you about the race you are entering and to keep you posted about future Waggy Races events.
Before submitting an online entry form, you will be asked to tick a box to indicate your consent to us storing your details.
Our full Privacy Policy is available HERE.
What is your cancellation policy?
We do not offer a refund for those who cancel their entry.
If an event is cancelled or postponed due to reasons beyond our control, entrants will automatically be entered, free of charge into the next (or rescheduled) race.
Did I hear you also organise hikes?
You did indeed. We organise a few hikes each year, usually in the Mourne Mountains. These are very informal and are open to anyone who fancies joining. Find out about our previous hikes here.
Finally, why should I enter Waggy Races?
In Waggy Races you are in a team with your dog(s). You'll be exercising in some of the country's most beautiful places. The race day atmosphere is second to none. You'll be surrounded by 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 do not have that excuse...