On the first Saturday of May, we teamed up with our Czech Mountain Dog female, Baileys Brdský expres, to take on another round of the Gladiator Race, this time set in the unique and gritty terrain of the Milovice tank training ground. And as always, Gladiator Race lived up to its name — the course, combined with the forces of nature, delivered a true test of endurance and will.
Overnight rain had transformed the trail into a battlefield of thick mud, slippery clay, and waterlogged pits where both boots and paws sank deep. Right from the start, instead of a typical canicross rhythm, we were sliding, wading, and clawing our way forward. But Baileys, ever the determined athlete, plowed through with unwavering drive, pulling me ahead with enthusiasm that never faded.
One of the most striking moments of the race came when we crawled beneath the rusted body of an old T-33 tank, an echo of the past looming in the middle of the track. The low, muddy crawlspace tested our coordination and trust — a perfect example of how Gladiator Race challenges not just strength, but also the unique bond between human and dog.
We pushed through a variety of demanding strength obstacles, many of which took us to the edge of our physical limits. A highlight was the aptly named Monkey Business — a suspended ring course where upper body strength, rhythm, and grit were essential. The sound of the final bell, rung with one last reach, was a small but sweet victory.
Despite the mud and the rain, the race atmosphere was fantastic. Fellow racers cheered each other on, and the shared challenge forged a sense of camaraderie that made the day all the more memorable. For us, this wasn’t just another race — it was a day full of teamwork, determination, laughter, adrenaline, and mutual trust between two- and four-legged teammates.
This event brought us one step closer to reaching our 2025 sporting goal in canicross disciplines. Baileys gave an outstanding performance, proving once again that even when the trail is covered in mud, the right spirit and partnership can carry you all the way to the finish line.
Many thanks to the organizers for a well-run and unforgettable race — we’re already looking forward to the next challenge!
