On a beautiful October day in Gordonsville, Virginia, history was made. The Rehab Rover Canicross and Trail Race, Virginia’s first sanctioned Canicross event, brought together over 135 human-dog teams for a day of fitness, bonding, and adventure. Jennifer Carter, the race’s organizer and visionary behind Harness Canicular, never imagined such a turnout. “We were expecting maybe 50 people,” Carter shared, “but the morning of the race, participants just kept coming, all eager to hit the trails with their dogs.”

Photos provided by Celestial Photography, Dulcey Fuqua and Shamrock Studios

Canicross, a fast-growing sport where participants run cross-country with their dogs tethered to them via a hands-free harness, has finally made its mark in Virginia. The race was hosted by Veterinary Rehabilitation Services of Virginia, Dr. Katherine Burke Johnson’s equine and canine rehab facility in Gordonsville. The scenic 5K and 10K courses wound through fields and woods, with three creek crossings. For those less inclined to get wet, two bridges were thoughtfully constructed, though many, like Carter, embraced the challenge and splashed through the creek with their dogs by their sides. “My dog (Luce) and I made the decision together to go through the creek,” Carter laughed. “It was a team effort.”

The diversity of participants was one of the highlights of the event. “We had big dogs, small dogs, and everything in between. One lady even ran with her pugs,” Carter explained. From Georgia to Pennsylvania, dog lovers from nine states came to compete or just enjoy a day on the trails. “It didn’t matter the breed or the level of fitness. The point was to get out there with your dog, create a bond, and have fun.”

The event wasn’t just for the hardcore racers. The largest turnout was for the Dog-Friendly 5K, designed for casual runners, walkers, and beginners. “Next year, many of these people will feel more confident moving into the competitive space,” Carter said, noting how accessible the trail was for all fitness levels. “The whole point is to spend time with your dog, doing something healthy for both of you.”

One of the most touching stories of the day belonged to Carter herself. Her dog, Luce, suffered a major leg injury last August, and veterinarians told her that Luce would never run again without invasive surgery. Determined to avoid surgery, Carter turned to Dr. Johnson’s rigorous rehab program, and Luce made a full recovery. “This race was Luce’s first event after her rehab,” Carter said proudly. “That’s how Rehab Rover got started—and Luce made one heck of a comeback.”

The race winners included Jacqui Johnson and Casey Jenkins for the 5K, Michelle Ballin and Tyler Brightwell for the 10K, and Susan Rieser and Kevin Weissgold for the Dog- Friendly 5K, which allowed participants to hold a leash. But for most participants, it wasn’t about winning. It was about the experience—spending time with their dogs, enjoying the stunning weather, and participating in an event that was more than just a race.

Jacqui Johnson held the shortest completion time of the day, finishing the 5K in 20 minutes and 57 seconds, setting an impressive pace for all to follow.

Carter, an accomplished author and certified canine nutritionist with multiple degrees and certifications in animal science, launched Harness Canicular in February with the mission to help dogs live their healthiest, happiest lives.

With the success of this year’s event, Carter is already looking ahead to next year. The next Rehab Rover Canicross is scheduled for October 4, 2025, in Gordonsville. “It’s not just about the race. It’s about the bond you build with your dog, the fitness you achieve together, and the fun you have along the way.” Learn more at https://harnesscanicular.dog.

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

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