Sherwins’ dogged displays net them impressive medal haul

Elaine Sherwin, 42, won the masters’ female and relay female categories, husband Alan was runner-up in the male bikejor category and their son Jonathan clinched the male cubs’ category.

Over a weekend of racing throughout the country park, Elaine ran alongside her dog Gavin, a three-year-old Pointer and had the quickest overall times on both days over the 5k course to become the championship winner in her class.

In addition to her individual win, she teamed up with Leamington C&AC’s Susie Tawney and youngster Lucy Matthews to win the relay event over a shorter 1.25k course.

Elaine, who also picked up for £500, said: “The championship was an excellent event in a fantastic venue. I’m very proud of myself and my canine team-mate Gavin for our gold medal.”

Alan, 44, was second on both days while competing in the bikejor category in tandem with six-year-old Border Collie Tickle.

The pairing had only been taking part in bikejor events for a year before last weekend’s success.

For their eight-year-old son Jonathan, a pupil at Radford Semele Primary School, it was an extra special weekend as it was his birthday on the Sunday.

Accompanying Jonathan was Connie, a working Cocker Spaniel, and between them they had the quickest overall time over the two days on the 2k course to win their class.

Jonathan, who has also been taking part in the CaniX events for just a year, said: “I felt really good and I was very proud of my dog.

“It was a nice course and the weekend was very exciting.”

Tawney, running with her brother’s dog Norton, a Hungarian Vizsla, finished second in the veteran female section.