Get to know us
We started as a small group of Central Coast dog enthusiasts just getting out into the bush with our dogs. We are all ages, all shapes, all levels of fitness, and our dogs are the same. We believe in giving our dogs as much biological fulfillment as possible. We provide a safe environment for everyone to enjoy all the benefits of our awesome activities.
Did I mention that we love our dogs?
Our mission
To enhance the lives of dogs and their humans by participating in canihiking and canicross.
Our vision
We want to see dogs (and their humans) live better lives. Our goal is to get you off the couch, off the streets, and into the forest. We want to see more people hiking and running in our local State Forests. We want to work with local communities to look after and clean up forgotten bushland areas. We want to learn more about the land on which we run. We want to see more young people getting into our sport. We want to see large fun dog centered events. We want people to see just how much dogs can do for us. We want to see a greater acceptance of dogs integrating into our communities.
Our Committee
Our strength lies in our individuality.
We are here for our dogs.
We are here for you, and your dogs.
Robert Ober
President
Lynelle Whitcombe
Secretary
Lynette Plenderleith
Treasurer
Tony Cavanagh
Vice President
I'm Nelle (Lynelle) the TRD Canicross Club Secretary and a founding member. I started dryland sledding (scooterjor and bikejor) in 2020 to build a stronger connection with my two Siberian Huskies in a fun and energetic way. I ran my first canicross races in 2024 and find the community encouraging of both people and their beautiful dogs
I'm Lynette, I've always enjoyed competing with my dogs. I started in my teenage years with Obedience classes and a not very obedient border collie... I'm relieved to report that her training has since improved and she has enjoyed better success in recent years in Rally-O and Agility. In 2024 my terrier/herding dog mix called Commitment and I tried Canicross for the first time and loved every moment.
I'm Robert, in my younger days I was a back of the pack Triathlete, Mountain biker, and Kayaker. I'd been fairly inactive for a while, our Doberman puppy Malee changed everything. I wasn't a big fan of running but she converted me, then we discovered canicross & scootering. We started racing in 2019 and I haven't looked back. Australia is a bit behind with dog sports and activities, I decided to change that and with the help of some awesome people, founded this club in 2023. I now run with my crazy GSP/GWP Arya
Luce Long
Publicity Officer
I'm Lucy, a Brit living in the Sutherland Shire. I've been passionate about running since I was at school and always dreamed of having a dog to run with. Now, I have Sid, my 18-month-old Kelpie, who loves joining me for parkrun and Canicross. She’s full of energy, loves playing fetch, and is always up for a cuddle when we’re not on the move.
Chris Phillips
General committee
I'm Chris and a founding member of TRD Canicross Club. I live in the Newcastle area and love walking with my dogs in the bush. I have two Siberian Huskies - one that runs and one that walks. I enjoy travelling interstate and competing in dryland and on-snow sledding races.
I'm Tony, from the gullies and creeks of Sydney’s North Shore as a young boy to the beaches and forests adventures and later experiencing rural life in Southern Tablelands I have never once not had a dog (best mate) by my side. I have found that the bonding experience with my dogs has offers for want of words complete calming and through our chosen activities has enhance our wellbeing – with my dogs it is a balanced temperament, a K9 that is “in control” of its emotions and a genuine desire to love life.