McHenry County Canicross & Dog Sports (MCCX)
Locations:
McHenry County and surrounding areas
Schedule:
Saturdays 8am
Sundays 10am (Rescue Runners)
Wednesdays 6pm
Popups TBA
Visit our Facebook group for updated dates, times and locations and text Kate Dalman at 815-444-1244 to be added to the group text thread.
Meet Our Group Leaders
Kate Dalman, Founder MCCX
Aimee Kirby, MCCX Head Leader
MCHENRY COUNTY CANICROSS & DOG SPORTS (MCCX)
Lace Up, Leash Up, Let’s Go!
McHenry County Canicross (MCCX) is a welcoming community of people who enjoy being active and exploring the outdoors with their dogs. While our roots are in canicross and dog-powered sports, our community includes runners, walkers, hikers, beginners, experienced athletes, and people who simply want to meet people who also want to spend more quality time with their dogs.
Our mission is to help people and dogs build stronger relationships through movement, adventure, community, and shared experiences.
We strive to make dog-powered sports and outdoor activities approachable, welcoming, and accessible to anyone interested in getting started.
Who Is MCCX For?
MCCX is for:
People who want to spend more time outdoors with their dogs
Beginners curious about canicross or dog-powered sports
Walkers and hikers
Recreational runners
Competitive athletes
People looking for community and friendship
Individuals interested in trying new adventures with their dogs
You do not need to be an experienced runner to participate.
Many members start by walking and gradually build confidence, fitness, and skills over time.
Our Philosophy
Community First - We believe strong communities are built through encouragement, support, and shared experiences.
Beginners Welcome - Everyone starts somewhere. Whether you're attending your first meetup or preparing for your first race, you belong here.
Walking Welcome - Walking is not a lesser experience. Some participants begin by walking and discover new opportunities and goals as they continue participating, while others prefer to stick with walking.
Dogs Come First - The health, safety, wellbeing, and enjoyment of our dogs are always our top priority.
No Judgment - Questions are welcome. Learning is encouraged. Progress matters more than perfection.
Adventure Together - Whether your goal is hiking a local trail, participating in canicross, trying bikejoring, or simply spending more quality time with your dog, we believe adventure is better together.
What We Do
MCCX offers a variety of opportunities for people and dogs to get involved, including:
Group walks
Group runs
Canicross meetups
Beginner-friendly introductions to dog-powered sports
Social events
Community fundraisers
Rescue Runner Program activities
Special events and adventures
Activities vary throughout the year and are designed to accommodate different interests and experience levels.
What Do I Need To Get Started?
You’ll need:
A dog that enjoys being active
Comfortable walking or running shoes
Water for themselves and their dog
Bug repellant
A willingness to learn and have fun
NOTE: We have canicross gear available to try. Text Kate at 815-444-1244 to say you need gear and arrive 20 minutes early.
What Experience Level Do I Need?
None! MCCX welcomes participants of all experience levels.
Whether you're:
Walking your first trail
Returning to fitness
New to dog-powered sports
Training for competition
there is a place for you here.
Many participants discover that dog-powered sports are far more approachable and welcoming than they expected.
Dogs We Welcome
MCCX welcomes dogs of all breeds, sizes, and activity levels as long as they are healthy to participate. It is recommended a dog is at least 12 months old to participate.
We recognize that every dog is an individual and encourage participants to choose activities appropriate for their dog's age, health, fitness level, and experience.
Participants with concerns about their dog's behavior, confidence, or readiness are encouraged to contact us before attending.
Our Safety Philosophy
We believe safety creates success.
To help create a positive experience for everyone:
Dogs should not engage in on-leash greetings during organized activities.
Participants should maintain awareness of their surroundings.
Dogs should be appropriately controlled and on-leash at all times.
Respectful spacing between dogs is encouraged.
Participants should follow event-specific safety instructions.
These practices help create a welcoming environment for dogs of varying experience levels, including dogs that may need additional space.