A FLINTSHIRE-BASED instructor who helps people get healthy with their dogs is celebrating after winning a prestigious award.

Marianne Mulder, from Pentre, is the owner of Your Fitness Buddy - which runs dog-fit classes in Flintshire and Wrexham, helping people learn to walk or run hands-free with their dog using a special harness, bungee lead and Canicross waist belt.

And DogFit was recognised at the recently held ukactive Awards where it won Highly Commended in the hotly contested Supplier of the Year category.

Marianne said: “It’s been so rewarding to have helped so many people from Flintshire and Wrexham learn about Canicross and enjoy getting out and getting fit with their dogs.

“Particularly in the last 18 months, the social aspect of the sessions has also had a positive impact on people’s mental health.

“Canicross is a great way to bond with your dog, have fun and meet new people and it’s wonderful to have won this award because more people can learn about the sport.”

This year’s awards recognised organisations demonstrating an exceptional response to Covid 19 helping get more people, more active, more often.

The award was presented by Paralympic champion and ukactive Chair, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, and Olympian, Professor Greg Whyte.

Ginetta George co-founder of DogFit added: “We’re so happy to have Canicross recognised by ukactive as it raises awareness of the sport.

“This means more people learn ways to enjoy keeping fit and active with their dog; whether their goal is to simply enjoy the social side of the sport, run their first 5k or compete in events.”

“DogFit’s mission is to make Canicross as inclusive and accessible as possible by providing equipment and support via our instructor network.”

Marianne runs both introduction to Canicross sessions and regular classes.

She has teamed up with Joe Swiffen from Mynydd Sleddog Adventures to start the Wales Junior Sleddog Sports Academy for children aged 8 to 16 from October 2021.

Together they will coach children in Canicross and Dryland Rig to compete at national and international level and represent Great Britain.

To find out more email mariannemulder1077@gmail.com