On Saturday, March 23, we took part in our first Gladiator Race of the season – the Křížová Ten – together with our female Czech Mountain Dog, Baileys Brdský expres. The race led us through well-maintained forest trails in the Hradec Králové woods, near the peaceful surroundings of the Forest Cemetery. At first glance, the setting felt calm – wide, sandy paths covered in pine needles, flat sections with minimal elevation, and mild spring weather. Everything suggested it would be one of those “easier” races. But as we soon discovered, even a seemingly undemanding course can hold its own challenges.
The race followed a classic looped course, winding through the woods with a mix of flat sections, small inclines, and downhill stretches. The terrain was soft and pleasant to run on, but over time, fatigue started to set in – long, straight sections without technical obstacles demanded steady pacing with few opportunities for recovery. For both me and Baileys, it required a different kind of focus and endurance, and it became clear just how crucial proper rest during race week can be.
This time, we started side by side with Batul, a fellow Czech Mountain Dog, and his handler Eva Búdová, who are also taking part in several canicross events with us this year. From the very beginning, the race had a friendly, team-like atmosphere – we supported each other and kept a steady pace, treating this run mainly as a training effort in the early phase of the season.
Although this course didn’t quite suit us as much as others – especially those with more terrain variety or obstacles – it still had its value. It’s in conditions like these – with no adrenaline-pumping jumps, mud pits, or tank crawls – that our pre-race preparation and the bond between dog and runner are truly tested. Baileys ran reliably and focused, and even though we weren’t aiming for any records this time, we finished with a strong sense of accomplishment.
The Křížová Ten became an important launching point for our 2024 Gladiator season. It wasn’t a dramatic race, but it was one that gave us new experience – both physical and mental. It helped us improve our coordination, test our fitness, and prepare for the races still to come. And indeed, one of them followed just a month later – in Studánka.
Every race matters. Not every one brings unforgettable thrills, but each one moves you forward. And that’s the true strength of a sporting journey.
