STORY: For many participants, dog trail races aren't just recreational activities, but also a way to strengthen the bond between themselves and their four-legged friends.

"Initially, I would only go to the gym and run to lose weight. But after having a dog, my dog and exercise have become parts of my life that can't be ignored," said participant Hong Feiwen, who secured a third place win with his border collie Yaoyao.

Chen Yi, the founder of LetsDog which hosts monthly dog races that draw over 100 participants each time, says pet events have been gaining traction in recent years, prompting them to organise even more niche races for popular dog breeds, such as samoyeds and corgis.