We cordially invite you to participate in the 1st annual K9XC 5K Race and Family 1 Mile Walk/Run. This event will raise money for the Delavan High School Cross Country Teams. We are excited to introduce Canicross to Central Illinois! Canicross is a mashup of the words “canine” and “cross country” and is a team sport consisting of a person and dog who run together. Typically, the person wears a waist belt, the dog a specifically designed harness, and the two are joined by an elastic line that reduces shock to both the person and dog when the dog pulls. More traditional collars and leashes are also appropriate for those who are just starting out. This is an activity that can be enjoyed by all levels and abilities. For those who take the sport more seriously, a true canicross setup will increase a runner’s speed due to the pulling action of their dog.

We want this to be a fun experience for both you and your dog so we encourage you to come out and try out this sport. This will have its own event so you can participate against other human/dog teams. While it can be competitive we just want everyone to have fun, no matter what level you or your pup are. If you really want to challenge yourself you can do the canicross race with your dog first and then the regular trail run after—or vice versa!

The event will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at McCrea-LaFary Farms 3 miles north of Delavan, IL. The 5k course is a very challenging (hills, creek crossings, logs, and hay bales) cross country course that will be all on dirt and grass trails. The event will kick off at 8:00 a.m. with the very challenging and competitive 5k for runners with and without dogs. The family 1-mile Fun Run/Walk will follow at 9 a.m. Once again you are encouraged to bring your dog along.

Registration is now open.