The Island hosted its first ever canicross event at Archallagan Plantation in March. Canicross is a fun activity in which dog owners can walk, jog or run a cross-country course with their pets. Twenty adults and five children took part in the ‘Paws In The Plantation’ fun day which raised around ?500 to be split equally between The Children’s Centre and ManxSPCA (Manx Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). The two charities teamed-up to organise the fundraising event which was sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth. Manx Tails readers (and their pets!) were able to follow a training programme we published in the build up to the big day.

Lisa Motley, Events Fundraiser at The Children’s Centre, said:

“It was a really great day and we’re delighted with the response to what was the first event of its kind on the Island. We must say a big thank you to all those who took part! Everyone, on two legs or four, had a great time! A big thank you to ManxSPCA for helping us to stage this great day, and to Nedbank Private Wealth for their generosity in sponsoring the event.”

Canicross is all the rage in the UK and a great way for owners to exercise with their pets. Bringing this new activity to the Island for the first time is just one of many events which will raise funds for The Children’s Centre this year. Other events include organised cycle tours in England and France, the Race The Sun round the Island relay race in May (sponsored by Mann Made Group), Granite Mann Triathlon (sponsored by PwC) in September, and a trek to the Sahara Desert in November. To find about these and many other exciting events go to www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/adventure-events/ or phone 676076.

Photo - Competitors taking part in the Paws In The Plantation canicross event at Archallagan Plantation.