Elvis once sang “You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog – cryin’ all the time”. Substitute this for “runnin’ all the time” and you come a bit closer to uncovering the hilarious story that unfolded in a small town called Elkmont in Alabama this week.
Ludivine, a two year old pet hound pup was out on pee patrol in her owner April Hamlin’s back garden, when she managed to break free and sneak out.
The inquisitive pup found herself in the lineup for a local running race, known as the Trackless Train Trek Half Marathon, which happened to pass by her owner’s back garden. Instead of running scared, she shot off at the sound of the starting gun and gave the other participants a run for their money.
It was reported that she managed to keep up with the front runners and even managed to sneak in a few play breaks to have a little sniff of some animal carcasses and drink some water (which as every dog entering a marathon knows, is essential to keep well hydrated!)
The little pup managed to finish seventh, out of an incredibly impressive 165 runners. She successfully completed the 13.1 mile course and was the highest ranked female in the race. Her official time was just over 90 minutes. Not bad going considering she’d had no training, no warm up and only a tin of Pedigree Chum for breakfast (other dog foods are available).
Her owner, commenting afterwards said the first she knew of it was when a friend came to alert her to what was going on – and that the little dog was making quite a name for herself. Ms. Hamlin said “My first reaction was that I was embarrassed and worried that she had possibly gotten in the way of the other runners” but that she ultimately saw the funny side.
She added that it was especially funny because she herself did not run and that neither did the dog! “I can’t believe she ran the whole half marathon because she’s actually really lazy” she said Ludivine was a very laid back and friendly dog.
After the race ended and she’d crossed the winning line, it all proved to be too much and the little cutie was snapped at home, by her owner, fast asleep
It’s proved to be a great little story for the town of Elkmont and its residents, who are enjoying their moment in the spotlight. The Director of the Trackless Train Trek race, Gretta Armstrong commented that “Our little town of 500 people is getting a real kick out of the story going international”.
Here’s hoping Ludivine had sweet dreams after her efforts. She certainly deserved them!
