Running a Race With Man’s Best Friend
My pup is growing up quickly. She is getting bigger by the day and I am very excited to start running with Shea. Recently I’ve taken her on very short runs, actually they aren’t really runs more of a few blocks of jogging. She is getting really comfortable on her leash and she understands that when we jog it is not play time, it is work time. I find that lots of treats and rewards keeps her interested.
I will be exited for this fall to enter us into a 5k race. She will be one year in July, so that will give us time to train slowly together. Not knowing if dog/human 5k’s even existed I took to the internet- I found there to be tons of options available. Many were raising funds for animals rights, had distances from 5k to 10k and took place on trails and streets.
Below are five dog friendly races that I found online and thought I would share with you. Included is one in July in New York City’s Central Park, I might have to get Shea and myself into this race:
Doggie Dash 2012, Portland, OR- May 14th
Now entering its 22nd year, this 1.5-mile run is one of Portland’s most popular events for dog lovers.
Canine Classic, Boulder, CO- April 22nd
Featuring a 5K run at the Boulder Reservoir benefiting Moving to End Sexual Assault. Perfect as a tune-up for the Colorado classic Bolder Boulder race.
All Star Dog Run, Santa Cruz, California – October 23rd
Run through the Redwoods with your pup. This out-and-back course is run on a mix of pavement and fire roads. Every entry contributes to our sponsorship of Morris Animal Foundation animal health studies.
Six-Legged 5K, West Allis, WI- February 4th
Featuring a 5K race benefiting The Labrador Connection. The course is looped, so it provides ample opportunity for viewing by spectators and family members.
Doggy Dash, New York City, NY- July 8th
Featuring a 5 mile run. All dogs are given a medical examination for good health by on-site vets prior to race start.
Do you have a dog, if so do you run with your dog? Have you ever run in a race with your dog?
- Scott
I have a dog! A black lab named Owen. He just turned 1 in September and my husband started running with him in October. I’m still working on him staying to one side of me instead of running in my path and making me trip or slow down so I don’t trip.
Our longest run together was 3 miles, but I can’t wait until he can go with me longer!
Sounds just like my black lab Shea. They learn quickly, I am sure by this summer Owen will be a great partner.
I have a greyhound. I tried running with her when we first adopted was only able to go a couple of miles with her.
One mile or many, at least you can spend that time together.
I have 2 black lab-greyhound mixes who’ve been my partners. I ran with my older dog until she turned 12 yrs old last October. She made it up to 6 miles with me during my training for a half marathon. She’s content with a good 2 mile walk now. I have a younger dog who’s my current running partner. She’s 4 yrs old, and has gotten up to 3.5 miles with me. They both have run in all weather conditions, but I try to limit their runs in the extreme summer heat and on icy roads. We’re working on using “booties” for foot protection, but right now, I’m just getting some funky dance moves out of her.
I read about the booties in RunnersWorld, not sure my dog would like them at all, she’d probably eat them!
I have a 2 year old Siberian Husky. She has been the best running partner I have ever had! So long as the temp is below 40 or below 50 and overcast, we do 6 miles together everyday! In the summer, we run early in the morning and she can only go about 3 before getting too hot. She’s fantastic in the winter because I always need a little extra motivation when it is cold and snowy and she LOVES to run when there is snow on the ground.
I haven’t run a race with her yet. She still has a little too much puppy in her to deal with the crowds… plus she greets every dog she sees by laying down… not good when we are trying to run for time!
I can imagine she is totally happy running in the cold and snowy conditions. Sounds like fun!
I have a 2 year old Border Collie/German Pointer mix. He is my full time running partner and accompanies me on all my runs. Whether it is interval training or longer runs, he is at my side. I think if I tried to sneak out the door without him he would be devastated. We are gradually building in longer runs. His longest so far is 5 miles. We will be doing a 6 miler this weekend.
I use a special running leash that clips around my waist and I have trained him to run on my right side so he is out of the way of the cyclists who share our trails. It seems to be very clear to him that when we are out running, it is work time, and he treats it like a job. Sun, rain, cold or windy – we are out there. (no snow, since we live in Texas, but plenty of hot, humid days)
I run with my Vizsla, Roxi, all the time. As a matter of fact, I would not have become the runner I am today if it weren’t for her! She’s almost 5 and runs up to 7-8 miles with me at a time. I recently asked the vet how far I could take her and my vet told me that she can go as far as me (10-13 mile) so long as she’s been conditioned properly. The only problems I have when running with her are all the folks that want to stop us and tell us how cute/pretty and what a beautiful runner she is! Enjoy your pup!
Oh and we have run two races together here in Atlanta area — 10K Gobble Jog and 5K Jingle Jog.
Wow up to 13 miles, that is awesome. Imagine running a half marathon with Roxi. That would be sick.