Event Series: Building community races with Sporting Paws (Episode 203)

Michelle and Louise chat to Ebony from Sporting Paws, a dog trainer, behaviourist, and passionate canicross advocate who has recently organised her very first race in Lancashire. Ebony shares her personal journey into canicross, which began not through competition, but through a desire to reconnect with her dog during a difficult period. What started as simple runs together quickly became something much more powerful, helping both her and her dog rebuild confidence, trust, and enjoyment together.   Ebony has built Sporting Paws from the ground up, focusing on making dog sports more accessible, especially for younger people. She offers a refreshing perspective on canicross as a tool for wellbeing, behaviour, and connection, rather than just performance.   Ebony talks openly about the challenges of securing permissions for her first race, designing a course, managing logistics, and creating an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere for all abilities. Her first event at Beacon Country Park highlights what canicross is all about: community, encouragement, and shared enjoyment with your dog.   This episode is full of inspiration for anyone new to canicross, thinking about entering their first race, or even considering organising an event in their own area.   Timings 0.00 – Introduction to Ebony from Sporting Paws 1.05 – How Ebony discovered canicross and rebuilt her bond with her dog 3.30 – Early barriers to racing and accessibility challenges 6.00 – Becoming a dog trainer and founding Sporting Paws 7.30 – Mission to make dog sports accessible for younger people 10.00 – Growth of the Sporting Paws canicross community 11.30 – Organising the first race at Beacon Country Park 14.30 – The realities of race planning and permissions 16.30 – Designing a fun and technical course 18.30 – Feedback from the first event 19.00 – Supporting beginner racers 21.00 – Beach races and upcoming events 23.30 – Expanding races across the North West 24.30 – Lessons learned and future improvements 27.30 – Advice for first-time racers     Links Sporting Paws Crosby Beach race Rivington Pike race Pennington Flash event