Canix: Mitch competes against much larger dogs.
A Fifer and his dog are to be the only UK competitors in the European Championships of a sport which pairs man with man's best friend.
CaniX is a form of athletics, which sees dogs run cross country alongside their owners, on a long leash attacked to the human's waist.
Now, Colin Reid and his border terrier Mitch will represent the UK at a major Canix event in Belgium. The 42-year-old from Dunfermline took up the unusual sport when he decided he was getting a bit too slow for conventional athletics. Now, he travels throughout England competing, and is about to formally introduce the sport to Scotland.
The first ever CaniX event to be held north of the border will take place at Glentress, near Peebles, in April and Colin is hoping the event will encourage more Scots to take up the sport.
He said: “It's a fantastic sport. And wee Mitch just loves racing.
“A lot of people might think there's something wrong with an event in which you run with a dog but if they see Mitch taking part in a CaniX race they would soon change their mind. He has a great time.”
Mitch is one of the smallest dogs on the CaniX competition circuit and regularly competes with huskies, Labradors and Dalmations.
Colin admitted people can be surprised by Mitch's performance. He said: “The reaction we get at the starting line is amazing. People just don't expect to see a dog Mitch's size competing but he surprises everyone with his energy, enthusiasm and pace.”
The travelling involved means CaniX can be an expensive hobby, but Colin and Mitch have now been given sponsorship by Dunfermline's Inglis Veterinary Hospital to enable them to carry on competing.
Inglis partner Adam Tjolle said: “I think it's absolutely fantastic. It's a great way of getting fresh air and exercise for both dog and owner and I'm happy to do anything I can to help Colin.
“I know he's a real evangelist for the sport and I'd be delighted to help him both in his endeavours to compete and in his desire to showcase CaniX in Scotland.”
Mr Tjolle added that his enthusiasm for CaniX reflected his conviction that having a dog can bring positive health benefits for their owners.
He said: “You don't have to run with your dog, as Colin does, to get meaningful exercise. Simply taking your dog for regular walks will be good for both of you.”
