There’s a lot of blood, sweat and (sometimes) tears when training for any race with the word “marathon” attached to it. Some runners train to reach health and fitness goals, others run for a charity cause, and some run to compete. Whatever the reasons may be, runners in Alabama’s Elkmont Half Marathon — The Trackless Train Trek probably weren’t expecting to be running along side or competing against a dog during the race.
Ludivine, 2-year-old bloodhound pup, finished top ten in the half marathon on January 16th and has become an Internet sensation. According to CNN, it was supposed to be another normal day for Ludivine. Her owners were letting the pup out to do her usual toilet business but instead, she decided to run a half-marathon. It turned out to be quite the turn of events for the bloodhound pup.
Ludivine ran 13.1 miles leash-free and human-free. She accidentally completed a half marathon! The energetic pup seemed to love every paw-step of the run.
April Hamlin, the pup’s owner, told CNN that Ludivine took off running at the start of the shot. “…She stayed with a few of the front runners, ran off to sniff some animal carcasses, romp in the water, and then back to the race. I understand she stayed on the course for 13.1 miles, finished seventh, and was the highest placed female,” explained Hamlin.
Ludivine was given a medal by race organizers for finishing an astonishing seventh place out of 165 runners in just under an hour and a half, reported by CNN. “Her owner doesn’t even run! That’s what makes the story even better,” race director Gretta Armstrong told CNN.
According to the race’s website, the proceeds from the half marathon go to Elkmont High School’s cross country and track/field programs. The high school’s running programs may need to adopt Ludivine the bloodhound pup as their new team mascot. She has got quite the running talent!
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