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Vaccines, stem cells and politics? Honestly, those hot-button topics get covered so often these days that we’re practically numb to them. But the issue of whether or not to allow dogs in road races can be one of the most contentious questions facing event owners.
Jay Holder, executive direction of Running USA, is a dog owner; however, he's not a proponent of dogs being allowed in every race, since there’s more at stake than simply being allowed to run with man’s best friend.
“The leashes create a tripping hazard,” he notes, but allows that "you might see it allowed more in small, community races.”
And, he says, it’s an issue that has caused race directors to develop rules around the presence of runners' canine companions.
“I used to work for an event organizer in Atlanta, the Atlanta Track Club, and we did allow dogs in a few events. However, those who wanted to run with their dogs had to start in a separate wave well behind the rest of the race.”
Some races, particularly those designed to be family friendly (these might include charity walks, turkey trots and other events that tend to draw those who participate in such events perhaps once a year), may actively encourage dogs, provided dogs stay leashed.
Unfortunately, many vets note, people who run regularly may make the mistake of thinking their dog can keep up simply because the dog is energetic or active. But dogs, like people, require conditioning; they can’t go from zero to a 5K (and certainly not a greater distance) without working up to it.
Additional problems can stem from other runners who are allergic to dogs, those who are afraid of dogs and those who just plain do not want to run with them – or from owners who do not try to keep their dogs by their side, and instead allow them to weave back and forth on the course.
Road Runners Club of America, in fact, recommends against allowing dogs in any of its races, stating, “Event organizers should have a “no pets allowed” policy for volunteers, spectators and participants in the start and finish areas of an event.”
In addition, RRCA notes, “Yes, people have been bitten by dogs at events. Yes, good dogs have had skirmishes with other dogs at events, resulting in injury to either the dogs and/or their owners. Yes, irresponsible dog owners have created unsafe situations for others at events. In crowded, unfamiliar places, even well-mannered dogs can become unpredictable and protective of their owners.”
One of the problems with the dogs’ presence in races, says RRCA, is that they “dramatically increase the liability exposure for event organizers, especially if an event organizer does not remove them from the event or the event’s common spaces (start/finish area).”
Further, says RRCA, “Event organizers should consult with their permitting entity, as many municipalities prohibit dogs/pets, leashed or unleashed, from being allowed in events or on city property utilized as common space for the event (start/finish areas). Event organizers should do as much as possible to enforce a “no pets allowed” policy, especially if it is required in the event permit.”
Human Potential Running Series has a special section of their website devoted to the reasons they do not allow dogs on race courses; this includes myriad examples of injuries, fights and more.
For events that actively encourage the presence of dogs (group walks or fun runs sponsored by animal rescues, for example), it is recommended that event owners work with their insurance company to develop a waiver for all participants to sign.
A niche discipline of running where dogs are not only encouraged but are an integral part of the experience is canicross. According to the website of Canicross USA, “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.”
Canicross originated as a way for sled dogs and those involved in mushing sports to train in the offseason and as a result, is more prevalent in cold-weather areas of the U.S., although its popularity is picking up in other regions as well. Canicross encourages responsible behavior on trails, including picking up after dogs and running without headphones to maintain a better awareness of the surroundings.
Trail runs are another discipline but with a similar focus: runner safety. Nancy Hobbs, executive director of the American Trail Running Association, notes, "We don't have an "official published position" on dogs in races, but would strongly encourage anyone that wants to race with their dog consider canicross events to enjoy a safe and welcoming environment. My personal feeling is that is that liability is a concern. There are people running events who may be scared or wary of dogs or who are allergic. The issue of leashed dogs for spectators as well is important if there are dogs at events. Our insurance partner does NOT insure events with dogs."
Service animals, emotional support animals and similar dogs with a job to do are the exception to the rule at many events; however, it’s no secret that there are pet owners who try to exploit the loophole by falsely claiming their dog is a service animal and even going so far as to purchase bandanas and paperwork on the Internet. (The McCourt Foundation, name sponsor of the Los Angeles Marathon, requires runners with service animals to comply with the Athletes With Disabilities [AWD] rules.)
Pretty much everyone has waded into the dog/race debate including Runner’s World Magazine. Runner’s World published a point/counterpoint on the issue, with one article written by a seasoned runner and the other article (ahem) written by a dog that enjoys running.
At the end of the article, readers were asked to vote in a poll. RW’s editors noted, “We tallied up your votes and found that most of you – 65 percent to be exact – say dogs shouldn't be allowed to run in road races. 1,498 voted no, 817 voted yes.”
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