Belfast Dog Photographer at Waggy Races in Portstewart, Northern Ireland.
If you love the idea of going for a joy with you dog, Waggy Races might be the perfect dog friendly event for you.
What is Waggy Races?
Where do Waggy Races compete?
Who can compete in Waggy Races?
How to get involved with Waggy Races
What is Waggy Races?
Waggy Races is a dog friendly cross country running event in Northern Ireland. The races are 5k fun runs with your dog and are set in beautiful Northern Irish locations. The first Waggy Races event took place in Castle Ward in 2014 & they aim to host 2 to 3 events a year. They also organise informal hikes including their traditional Christmas hike in the Mournes & host fun training sessions in the build up to their races.
Where do Waggy Races Compete?
Waggy Races compete across Northern Ireland in stunning outdoor locations. To date they have hosted events in Tollymore Forest Park, Murlough Bay, Portstewart Strand, Portush, Montalto Estate, Larchfield Estate, Baronscourt Estate, Finnebrogue Woods & Mount Stewart. The most recent event was at Portstewart Strand.
Who can compete in Waggy Races?
If the idea of running with your dog makes your heart race & your palms sweaty for all the wrong reasons, don’t panic! You can still get involved. Waggy Races is an inclusive fun run & has everything from competitive club runners to walkers. The dog competitors also vary massively from breeds you traditionally associate with running long distances to dogs more associated with being pampered pooches.
The races have 3 entry types; 1 person & 1 dog, 1 person & 2 dogs, 2 people & 1 dog.
If you don’t fancy competing you can still come along & support the competitors & check out the local businesses supporting Waggy Races & their charity partners (K9 Search & Rescue NI and National Trust NI).
How to get involved with Waggy Races
If you’d like to get involved with Waggy Races check out their social media accounts Waggy Races Facebook for details on their upcoming races/hikes or sign up to their mailing list on their website Waggy Races. The races are relaxed, family events & normally supported by some of Northern Ireland’s best dog friendly businesses such as HikerHounds and Murphy & Bailey.
I’ve been to a couple of the events but the Oct 2020 Waggy Races was the first I’ve photographed & event was so awesome that it made the BBC One Show! Check out the slideshow below of dogs & humans having a ball at the most recent event.
