UoG’s world champion Ben Robinson targets more global glory with dog Zuma in Poland
Ben Robinson, Sport and Fitness Facilities Co-ordinator at University of Gloucestershire, will bid for a seventh world title at the 2026 Canicross World Championships next month.
The 37-year-old from Gloucester heads into the World Championships fresh from winning his fifth European Championship canicross title in Sweden with his dog Zuma – a purpose-bred crossbreed for dog sports known as a Greyster.
Now, the 11-time British champion and Zuma are preparing to take on the world’s best once again at the International Canicross Federation (ICF) World Championship in Poland (5-8 November).
The sport of canicross is a form of cross-country running in which athletes are attached to their dogs by a waist belt, bungee line and harness.
Originating as an off-season training activity for sled dogs, the sport has grown rapidly in popularity and now attracts elite competitors from around the world. Success relies on a strong partnership between runner and dog, combining endurance, speed and teamwork to navigate challenging terrain at pace.
After finishing fourth at last year’s world championships in the Czech Republic, Robinson and Zuma are heading into this year’s men’s elite competition buoyed by their latest victory at the European Championships and a 5k personal best of 11 minutes, 56 seconds.
Remarkably, that time is faster than the men’s human-only 5k world record of 12:35.36 because of the high-speed propulsion provided by Robinson’s canine partner.
Robinson said: “Competing alongside the best athletes in the world pushes you to perform at your highest level, and I’m excited to take on the challenge again in Poland.
“Finishing fourth last year was a disappointment because we were competing against the same guys we’d beaten previously. But Zuma had an issue with a hamstring that curtailed our preparation a little bit and the warmish conditions found us out a bit too.
“This year, I want to right the wrongs of last year and get back to winning ways again. We’re looking forward to giving it everything we’ve got.”
Alongside his international sporting career, Robinson plays a key role in supporting the University’s sports and fitness facilities, helping to create positive experiences for students and staff.
Robinson is an accomplished runner in his own right, holding a solo (dog-free) 5k personal best of 14:18, and represents Great Britain as a Masters athlete.
But when it comes to running, nothing matches the enjoyment he feels when he is out tackling tough terrain with Zuma – a 36kg son of his first world champion dog, Blake.
“Zuma is a brilliant dog, and I couldn’t do what I do without him,” said Robinson. “For the dogs, running is just so natural to them, and it’s such a pleasure to be out there with them.
“You build up such a big bond with them, they’re just so in tune with you and they give you so much – it’s an amazing feeling.
“Zuma gets really excited as soon as he sees me putting on my running kit, because he knows it’s a sign that he’s going out to do the activity he enjoys so much, running.
“He’s seven and a half, so there’s probably one more big year in him. We’ve got three of his pups at home, so there’s the next generation coming through.
“All the dogs live with us in the house and family pets, and their health and welfare is paramount. We make sure they all undergo thorough veterinary examinations before competing.”
Robinson will be joined at the world championships by his father, Matthew, and his two children, Amelia and Aaron – all British champions themselves – who will be competing in their respective age-group categories.
Image: Ben Robinson and Zuma are heading to the 2026 Canicross World Championships