Imagine letting your dog out for a quick bathroom break and having them return hours later with a medal. That’s exactly what happened to April Hamlin during the Elkmont Trackless Train Half Marathon in Canada. Her beloved Bloodhound, Ludivine, decided to join the race and ended up becoming an unexpected eight-place finisher!
Dog accidentally completes half marathon after being let out to potty, places 7th
Ludivine’s unplanned adventure
While Hamlin had briefly let Ludivine outside for a toilet break, the adventurous pup managed to escape through a gap under the gate. Drawn to the commotion of the race starting, Ludivine simply followed the pack and ended up becoming an unofficial participant. Despite the unplanned nature of her journey, Ludivine thrived in this new environment. She even made a pitstop at the two-mile mark to investigate the fascinating scent of a dead rabbit, showcasing her natural curiosity. The playful canine also couldn’t resist the allure of a nearby herd of cows, taking several detours to chase after them.
Ludivine’s unplanned adventure
From backyard escape to race day star
Despite these playful detours, Ludivine surprisingly managed to complete the race in an impressive time of one and a half hours. This achievement becomes even more remarkable when considering her leisurely breaks. News of Ludivine’s participation spread quickly, and photos of the adorable runner were posted on the official Elkmont Half Marathon Facebook page.
From backyard escape to race day star
A medal for the mischievous marathoner
In recognition of her unique accomplishment, Ludivine was awarded a well-deserved medal. Hamlin, initially surprised and worried about her pet potentially hindering other runners, was ultimately proud of Ludivine’s independent spirit. “All I did was open the door,” she admitted to Runner’s World magazine. “She ran the race completely on her own terms.” Her initial fear stemmed from Ludivine’s typically laid-back personality. “I was surprised she ran the entire half marathon because she’s actually quite lazy,” Hamlin shared.
A medal for the mischievous marathoner
The story doesn’t end there. Jim Clemens, who finished fourth in the race itself, recounted his encounters with Ludivine during the event. “Every time I thought she’d given up and gone home, I’d hear her bounding back towards me,” he said. “Then she’d take off again, running towards the leaders. She even snuck away for some playful dips in streams and quick sniffs in people’s yards!”
Ludivine’s unexpected participation in the Elkmont Half Marathon became a heartwarming story that captured the hearts of many. It serves as a reminder of the playful spirit and independent nature of dogs, and how sometimes, the greatest adventures can begin with the simplest actions.
