Dog Runs Half Marathon Accidently – Update

Last week Dozer became an internet sensation after news broke that the friendly dog got loose from his yard and joined the Maryland Half Marathon that was raising money for Cancer Research. The route for the Half Marathon went right by Dozers yard at the five mile marker and he thought everyone running looked like fun. One minute he was in his yard relaxing enjoying the day the next he was making new friends and running the Marathon. Spectators and runners saw him there but initially thought that he was running with someone and so no attempts were made to try and get him off the route.  He was spotted numerous times near different people since his path the finish line apparently was a bit longer then the official one spectator say he probably ran at least double making circles to go back and find new friends to run with.

Even with all the backpedaling Dozer finished the race at an impressive 2 hours and 14 minutes. Race organizers didn’t

realize at first either that Dozer was a rouge runner and thought nothing of it until spectators began piecing together their stories of the dog who ran the half marathon. Dozer’s owners said he was missing until the next day when he came limping home tired and ready to sleep. He was taken to the vet for the limp where his family was told all he needed to do was rest. Event organizers began to hear Dozer’s story and decided that since he ran most of the race and by all accounts traveled a further distance to get there organizers went to meet Dozer and award him a finisher’s medal were he gave high 5’s and kisses in return.

His family contacted race organizer to ask if they could start a page in their fundraising system for Dozer to raise some money. Obviously they agreed to allow Dozer to fund-raise after the race they must be happy with the results.  When he joined the race Dozer had yet to pay his entrance fee but as of the writing of this post Dozer has now raised a very impressive $5,743 for Cancer Research. There have been suggestions from Dozer’s new friends that he train for some upcoming marathons and run with them to help raise money for other causes. There is no word yet on whether his family has agreed to have him participate in future events. If you would like to make a donation or read about Dozer’s adventure from his point of view you can visit.