Bethan Fitzgerald took home gold in the scooter event at the 2015 European Canicross Federation Championships held at Bowland Trails, Perthshire.

Bethan and husband Daniel race Scandinavian sled dogs(a precise combination of Norwegian Pointer, Greyhound and Alaskan Husky), an impressive athletic breed developed over many years for its speed as well as its pulling power. 

She says: “The trail was hilly and thanks to a few days of rain, had some good muddy areas, this was a test of strength and fitness for both dog and athlete.

"Looking around in the start shoot, I couldn't help but look at how athletic the other dogs were and how long legged the human athletes were. But not to worry, our dogs were looking just as good - lean, shiny coated and full of muscle. 

"The trail was hard with steep hills but our superstar, Charlie pulled like a train. He is known as the mud monster so I had to just let go of the brakes and go for it.

Charlie and I managed to storm way ahead of the competition and brought home gold.”

Not to be outdone Daniel and his bike dog Harry achieved 7th place in the men's bike class.

The National Sled Dog Sports Centre hosted the event on behalf of the British Sleddog Sports Federation, with the major financial and dog food product sponsor for the event being CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds.

For more photos and stories about Bethan and Danny’s other exciting wins visit http://www.csjk9.com/profiles/bethan-and-daniel-fitzgerald_p1217.html