Runners and their dogs will soon be able to run the Forest of Dean Half Marathon course for the first time.

A canicross event (cross-country running while hitched to a dog) will take place on the same day as the half marathon – 27th March.

It will be a first in the history of the Half Marathon but the canicross event will be run as a separate competition and start two hours ahead of the 2,000-strong main pack of runners.

Organiser Chris Hammersley said: "It will be a nice twist to see the dogs running the half marathon as they always create quite a spectacle and the dogs seem to love it.

"The beauty of the canicross race is that the dogs will get the opportunity to run in the cool of the day and there will not be any interference with the main half marathon in case regular runners are worried."

Nicky Hutchison, of the Forest of Dean Canicross Trailrunners Club, said: "Canicross started in the Forest of Dean so it is lovely that canicrossers can come to the home of the sport and get a taste of such a prestigious event in the mainstream national running calendar.

"The rotary club have been very supportive of our event and we are very grateful for their enthusiasm and help in getting this off the ground.

"Many canicross races are short distances so it will be nice to get our teeth into a half marathon.

"We already have quite a few entries from people who have been training with their dogs to run such a long way, and it is not for the faint-hearted but more entries are welcome from any runners and their dogs who can comfortably complete the distance in 2.5 hours.

"As always, the dogs will come first so if you would like to enter you must be confident that you and your dog are fit enough.

"There will be plenty of assistance on the day as we are ensuring that we have a vet on call, sufficient water stops and support crew to help everything go smoothly."

The closing date for canicross entries is this Friday (18th March).

Canicrossers can enter online at canicrosschallenge.org.uk

Alternatively, contact Nicky Hutchison on 07799 646508 or email him at [email protected]">[email protected]