Round of ap-paws please!
Simplyhealth Canine Run back for second year
Following the runaway success of last year’s inaugural Simplyhealth Canine Run, the unique event makes a welcome return to Portsmouth this year as part of the iconic Simplyhealth Great South Run Weekend in October.
This year’s event promises to be even bigger than ever, with 200 dogs and their owners expected to take part in the 2.5k distance.
The event takes place on Saturday 19 October. Starting and finishing on Clarence Esplanade, the route will take both four legged and two legged runners along the scenic Southsea seafront. The run takes place before the Simplyhealth Great South 5k and the Simplyhealth Junior and Mini Great South Run.
Furry members of the running fraternity will have their own bespoke area in the event village. And, once they cross the finish line, dogs will be rewarded with a collar tag and a treat, while their owners will receive a Simplyhealth Canine Run t-shirt.
Sally Clarke, Director of Vets at Simplyhealth, says the company is delighted to be hosting the Simplyhealth Canine Run again this year: “The Simplyhealth Great Run series promotes health and wellbeing and our Simplyhealth Canine Run offers an amazing opportunity to encourage and support the health needs of the furry members of the family too! Canine fitness is all about the right diet, exercise and of course high quality veterinary care. Having veterinary professionals join the team of volunteers on the day to share their expertise on preventive health is a great way to ensure positive messages are heard by thousands of people who want to keep their whole family including their pets in the best health possible. It’s a fantastic way for dogs to get involved in the fun and take on a challenge of their own.”
To take part in the run, all participants – both dogs and their owners - will need to be well behaved and fit enough to run 2.5 kilometres. If this distance is longer than normal runs or walks, then a training plan should be put in place with the support of your dog’s vet.Whilst an on-site vet will be on hand on the day to deal with any emergencies, owners should also make sure that they consult their vet ahead of the run to check through their dog’s training plan and ensure they are in great shape to take part.
Tips on how to prepare for the Simplyhealth Canine Run:
• Consult your vet for a pet health check ahead of starting your training plan
• Tailor your exercise to what is suitable for the breed/age/health status of your dog
• Like humans training for a long run, a dog’s fitness also grows steadily. So build up to the distance
• If new to running the dog should be trained to walk nicely on a lead then build up to running via brisk walking and jogging
• Use a relatively short lead and make sure your dog stays close to you and doesn’t run into the road or other people
• Owners should always make sure their dogs are hydrated
• Avoid hot weather. Dogs still need their exercise when it is warm but they can easily overheat so plan your exercise for early morning or late evening when it cools down
• And if it is especially hot take care of their paws and avoid tarmac
Most importantly, make sure your dog is enjoying the experience!
To enter or to find out more about the Simplyhealth Canine Run 2019 visit www.greatrun.org/canine
For more information contact:
Elisa Mirra-Cartney, Communications, Simplyhealth: Elisa.Mirra-Cartney@simplyhealth.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
About SimplyhealthSjnce 1872 we’ve been helping people get healthcare through our health plans, charity partnerships and by being a voice in healthcare.
Today we’re delighted to be the UK’s leading provider of health plans, dental plans and pet health plans, which help individuals, families and employees and pets to get support with their health when they need it.
We don’t have shareholders which means we are totally focused on making sure no one goes without the healthcare support they need, and why we are passionate about being a voice in healthcare and partnering with charities to reduce health inequality.
Last year we donated £900,000 to our charity partners. Additionally, our partnership with the Simplyhealth Great Run Series raised over £40 million for charitable causes.
To find out more visit: www.simplyhealth.co.uk
The Great Run CompanyAs the UK’s original running events series, we know a thing or two about motivation. Over the last three decades we’ve realised it doesn’t matter why people run or how far they go - the one thing every runner has in common is that moment of triumph when they cross the line. We want everyone to experience that feeling, so we’ll do whatever we can to help our customers achieve their goal and be their greatest.
Starting with the very first Great North Run in 1981, our events have always been a celebration of what makes our locations great. The Great Run Series now sees 230,000 participants a year taking part. The events programme stretches across the UK from Aberdeen to Portsmouth offering a full range of distances from 5k through to the half marathon. Great Run Local is a series of weekly events staged in our key cities. All designed to provide the support and advice for participants of all abilities to achieve their personal goal.
To find out more about the events and services provided by Great Run and its partners visit www.greatrun.or