By Rory McKee
A COMBER man and his four-legged companion are preparing to represent Ireland on the world stage in a sport that you’ve possibly never heard of.
Matt Milliken will be joined by his seven-year-old Kelpie- Border Collie cross, Dizzy, at the 2025 Canicross World Championships in Pardubice, Czech Republic this November.
While many local dog owners enjoy jogging with their pets, the sport of canicross – cross- country running with a dog – remains relatively unknown in Ireland.
Developed by Scandinavians as a way to keep sled dogs fit after the winter snows melted, the sport has grown internationally and is recognised for both its inclusivity and positive impact on mental wellbeing.
Former youth worker and academic Matt first became involved with canicross around five years ago.
“Anyone who’s got a high energy dog knows that they take lots of exercising,” he said.
“I enjoy running myself and started to do it more during lockdown, then one day while out running with Dizzy we were approached by someone asking if we knew anything about canicross.
“A lot of the focus is on participation rather than simply competition,” added Matt, who is the owner of a second Collie called Willow and qualified for the World Championships next month by finishing top of the Canicross Ireland season rankings in the two dogs category.
“The serious competitors tend to run with Pointers or Greyhounds, but we aren’t in it for the glory. For us it’s about the craic and the enjoyment.”
Last weekend at the opening event of the new Canicross Ireland season in Turraun, Offaly, Matt and Dizzy won a bronze medal in the men’s 5k race. When they travel to the continent next month to compete in the over-60 age category, they will help form a 10-strong Irish team made up of runners and their canine partners from all corners of the island.
Matt said that he travels to canicross events in his camper van, regularly making a weekend of it given the often remote locations.
Dizzy, who originally comes from a farm belonging to Matt’s sister on the north coast, ‘absolutely loves’ taking part in the organised races, which are typically five kilometres long.
“As soon as I start getting my kit on, he’s at the door showing all the signs of a dog that’s keen to get going,” Matt continued.
“We are so blessed in this part of the country with forest trails; it’s easy to get away from the busy roads and traffic and be somewhere absolutely gorgeous.
“Dizzy almost starts singing when we pull up to places like Mount Stewart and the Floodgates and when he gets to events and sees the other dogs, he trembles with excitement.”
Matt also extended his thanks to the many local businesses that have supported his and Dizzy’s trip to the Czech Republic through sponsorship, including the Sugarcane Cafe Bistro in Comber, RH Agrifeeds and Old Manor Mill in Newtownards, Feedwell Dog Food, and the pet rehydration drink Oralade.
The 2025 Canicross World Championships will take place from November 7 to 9, drawing more than 1,000 competitors from over 30 countries.
More information on the event can be found at https://canicross.international/
