89 replies to this topic

[KatieR]

This story was in my local newspaper last week.

"MEET Ty the wonder dog - the kelpie border collie cross who is about to make dog history.
On July 29, Ty will run the 42.2km Westlink M7 Cities Marathon with owner Mark Jensen, who believes she will become the first dog in Australia to compete in a marathon."

http://penrith-press...e-doggie-world/

I am curious to know what other runners think regarding a dog participating in this Marathon event and other runs.

[Gadfly]

There was a border collie that was running in the Blackmores marathon in 2010 that I saw from the cheer squad by the MCA.......most likely not an official entrant though.

Lots of people run with their dogs and esp out on the trails.......maybe this is a first that has been publicised?   Rocky made a frequent appearance out on the track at the Sri Chinmoy 24hr and also at Narrabeen......although he did choose to take his lead and not run sometimes int he middle of the night!      

I'd love to run with our boy, but he has an early diagnosis of elbow dysplasia, so no solid running and esp not on concrete..now if I was a swimmer.........

Hope they have a great run and I'm sure there will be lots of support out there.

[Horrie]

I am ok with it as long as it does not interfere with any runners.

[runwithdogs]

We often take our dogs in fun runs, with race director's permission. Sometimes we get a "no" and it's because of insurance or permit issues, or the route is too narrow in places, and we're fine with that. We've done quite a few 5k and 10k events, and in March our big boys did the Twilight Half Marathon with us. They're good running buddies.

I think if people do the right thing (stay well out of the way of other runners, run to their dog's comfort level and pick up any poop) then I don't see a problem with it, and we've never had any complaints. I'd be awfully disappointed if someone out there did the wrong thing in a race and ruined it for everyone else.

Edited by runwithdogs, 22 July 2012 - 11:26 AM.

[halfwaydown]

In the 2010 Shoalhaven King of the Mountain I was beaten at the line by a dog competitor.
For 32km, we had jockeyed for position, then with just 50m to go I thought I had in in the bag when the dog veered off course to sniff an interesting tree - only for the owner to whistle it back through the finish line inches in front of me, beaten by a (wet shiny) nose.
I was a broken man.  I could have coped had it been a great dane, irish wolf hound or setter, german pointer, even border collie.  But no, the embarassment -  I got 'Pooched' by a Jack Russell.
I still get nightmares.

Edited by halfwaydown, 23 July 2012 - 11:00 AM.

[KatieR]

halfwaydown, on 23 July 2012 - 09:21 AM, said:

In the 2010 Shoalhaven King of the Mountain I was beaten at the line by a dog competitor.
For 32km, we had jockeyed for position, then with just 50m to go I thought I had in in the bag when the dog veered off course to sniff an interesting tree - only for the owner to whistle it back through the finish line inches in front of me, beaten by a (wet shiny) nose.
I was a broken man.  I could have coped had it been a great dane, irish wolf hound or setter, german pointer, even border collie.  But no, the embarassment -  I got 'Pooched' by a Jack Terrier.
I still get nightmares.

I have been beaten twice by a dog in races this year
At least my dog competition was a Greyhound

[RunsWithScissors]

I would love to enter races with my dog but I have never seen any that allow it.  My kelpie runs every run with me from speed sessions to long runs, 6km to 40km and cruises through all with no issue either on or off lead.  Didn't know you could run the Westlink M7 Cities Marathon with a dog.  If it is the case next year, I'll be in.  Would be keen to hear of any other races you can take your dog in in NSW.


Cheers,
RWS

[MsMook]

St Peters Parkrun allows people to take their dogs as long as they're on leash & not a hindrance to others.  There's often a guy who runs with his dog, starting at the back and finishing in the in the top third. It's great!

Regards
MsMook

[runwithdogs]

RunsWithScissors, on 23 July 2012 - 11:11 AM, said:

Would be keen to hear of any other races you can take your dog in in NSW.

Kelpies are great running dogs, but I'm more than a little biased :-) Races aren't often publicised as dog friendly, but all it takes is a quick polite email to the race director to ask. Here in SE Qld we've got the Lakes College Fun Run coming up next month, and in September the director of the Toowoomba event has told us we can run with dogs. Doesn't hurt to ask.

Edited by runwithdogs, 23 July 2012 - 11:50 AM.

[thomo]

Below is a video of the dog and owner.

http://www.marathon-...hon&match=12275

My concern is how people react to dogs.

I know that some people who are very frightened of dogs. They will change their run route, if it is on their or one of their training courses.

There is nothing on 99.99% of running / walking / triathlon / swimming, etc entry forms that asks for details of a dog, animal or bird. The entry forms don't mention an animal or bird or livestock. Just the missing request details should be clear that they are not included.

The only entry forms or events I have seen that invites dogs for instance clearly list on the event form that allows or promotes dogs for example in the event.

So when a person turns up and unexpectingly sees a dog in the line up. They will have a what the ..... moment after the terror possibly subsides.

I don't think that runners / walkers should have that drama.

I think it would warrant a refund of all expenses.

The animal's owner would be liable for any damages or injuries caused by the animal tripping or biting the runner / walker / police / 1st aid or vollie.

Why cause the angst in the first place? Sound at the least inconsiderate.

Edited by thomo, 23 July 2012 - 08:26 PM.

[runhard]

Good point Thomo.  I would probably jump if the dog was overtaking me as they scare me on occasions  (depending on the dog of course). Sudden movement could twitch a muscle and that would be the end of it.

I know one person who is running the m7 who is absolutely terrified of dogs. They go out of their way to miss dogs.  I hope that person does not go anywhere near it. Will be interesting to see what happens there. they might even pull out! I hope not though.

RH

[vat]

KatieR, on 23 July 2012 - 09:41 AM, said:

halfwaydown, on 23 July 2012 - 09:21 AM, said:

In the 2010 Shoalhaven King of the Mountain I was beaten at the line by a dog competitor.
For 32km, we had jockeyed for position, then with just 50m to go I thought I had in in the bag when the dog veered off course to sniff an interesting tree - only for the owner to whistle it back through the finish line inches in front of me, beaten by a (wet shiny) nose.
I was a broken man.  I could have coped had it been a great dane, irish wolf hound or setter, german pointer, even border collie.  But no, the embarassment -  I got 'Pooched' by a Jack Terrier.
I still get nightmares.

I have been beaten twice by a dog in races this year
At least my dog competition was a Greyhound

I got beaten home by a guy with two dogs in an Australia Day 4km event back in 2005, although in my defence I had done the 8k race just before, and the dogs did run under 16 minutes.

[Colin]

MsMook, on 23 July 2012 - 11:25 AM, said:

St Peters Parkrun allows people to take their dogs as long as they're on leash & not a hindrance to others.

Those are not 'organised' races, but time trials.

thomo, on 23 July 2012 - 08:25 PM, said:

don't think that runners / walkers should have that drama.

I think it would warrant a refund of all expenses.

The animal's owner would be liable for any damages or injuries caused by the animal tripping or biting the runner / walker / police / 1st aid or vollie.

Why cause the angst in the first place? Sound at the least inconsiderate.

I agree.
I know Westlink-M7 marathon try to be as accomodating as possible, but this is probably going too far and an unnecessary concession. After all it is a running race for humans---maybe we should go and enter greyhound races, there is at least two CR's with that name.

And if it is against IAAF rules, then why go to the trouble of IAAF certification on distance?

Why don't race organisers stick with the simple must do things to make the race appealing. The race has been going for 6 yrs on that course now and despite huge prize money (unnecessarily) at top entrants, it has lagged far behind both in absolute numbers and in growth compared to running in general during that period.

BTW, we had tortoises as pets back in the day...wonder how a request for 'running with my tortoise' would go down...

Edited by Colin, 23 July 2012 - 11:14 PM.

[buzzlightyear]

KatieR, on 22 July 2012 - 10:33 AM, said:

.... the first dog in Australia to compete in a marathon."

Clarke MCclymont's dog Cooper has ran GNW CedarBrushHead to Somersby and back on one go! Thats just under 2 marathons. And he have GPS to prove it (no kidding)

I love Dogs and have no issues for special events to have pet owners and their dogs participating. (Bay run) An event like a marathon where the focus is not as a companion race is more likely to post danger to unsuspecting runners. Also as RunningWild/R4YL/CR superstar Runhard said, he knows of one runner whose afraid of dogs ; What about runners of Islamic faith who have to stay away from Dogs?

While the organiser are trying to be inclusive, I say it is exclusive (unless it's a guide dog)

[MsMook]

Colin,
Pardon my ignorance.
KatieR asked about "other runs" wouldn't Parkrun be classed as such?


Regards
MsMook

[Kato]

thomo, on 23 July 2012 - 08:25 PM, said:

My concern is how people react to dogs.

I know that some people who are very frightened of dogs. They will change their run route, if it is on their or one of their training courses.
(snip)
So when a person turns up and unexpectingly sees a dog in the line up. They will have a what the ..... moment after the terror possibly subsides.

I don't think that runners / walkers should have that drama.
(snip)
The animal's owner would be liable for any damages or injuries caused by the animal tripping or biting the runner / walker / police / 1st aid or vollie.

Why cause the angst in the first place? Sound at the least inconsiderate.

Dogs are an accepted part of society - at least at my place.  What happens if a blind runner participates - are they going to be asked to leave their dog behind?  Is there any difference?  My (very friendly, obedience trained) dog is a superb example of good manners and may heighten many peoples' race experience.  What if a spectator has a dog?  That's perfectly legal yet may constitute a greater hazard - after all unless you are running at approximately the same pace (about five hours from the half result) you are likely to drift further away from the dog as the race wears on.

What damages or injuries are likely to be caused by a well socialised friendly dog?  Sounds inconsiderate?  Sounds like a beat-up.

[thomo]

Kato, on 24 July 2012 - 09:16 PM, said:

What damages or injuries are likely to be caused by a well socialised friendly dog?  Sounds inconsiderate?  Sounds like a beat-up.

Kato, I can assure you it is not a beat up.

Not all people think that a dog is man's best friend.

Not all people like dogs.

There are people who are terrified of dogs.

[Kato]

Colin, on 23 July 2012 - 11:10 PM, said:

MsMook, on 23 July 2012 - 11:25 AM, said:

St Peters Parkrun allows people to take their dogs as long as they're on leash & not a hindrance to others.

Those are not 'organised' races, but time trials.
(snip)
I know Westlink-M7 marathon try to be as accomodating as possible, but this is probably going too far and an unnecessary concession. After all it is a running race for humans---maybe we should go and enter greyhound races, there is at least two CR's with that name.

Parkruns are races for all intents and purposes, especially as far as a dog is concerned.  It is running as fast as its handler has trained it to, but it is in the company of lots of other people - something probably not normal for a training run.

If a runner asks for, and is granted a concession, of what concern is it to those around?  Envy? Freudenschade?

Greyhound races?   That's a daft analogy.  You haven't got a hope.  Endurance races are where humans can compete with or even best animals.  This is a well conditioned dog, and a running companion.  I would think many people would be racing the dog, at least people around its pace.

[Kato]

thomo, on 24 July 2012 - 09:36 PM, said:

Kato, I can assure you it is not a beat up.

Not all people think that a dog is man's best friend.

Not all people like dogs.

There are people who are terrified of dogs.

There are people everywhere, even on this forum, with untreated mental disorders.  There are a couple of hundred phobias listed here- some of them probably relating to fear of you, or things that may describe you.  What if someone is scared of birds, or cars backfiring, or any one of hundreds of other NORMAL things?

That Tour footage has next to nothing to do with a dog in a running race.  The dog would be moving at the same speed as its fellow runners, not stationary in front of a sixty km/h peleton.  It would be on a lead, not running loose.  Don't like dogs?  Don't pat it.  I'm pretty sure, if he's anything like me, his handler would be trying hard to be considerate of the other people in the race.

Edited by Kato, 24 July 2012 - 09:49 PM.

[Kato]

buzzlightyear, on 24 July 2012 - 10:45 AM, said:

What about runners of Islamic faith who have to stay away from Dogs?

What about Leviticus 15:19-30? Are you going to ban approximately one quarter of the women in the race?

Superstitions are just that.

[Colin]

Kato, on 24 July 2012 - 09:39 PM, said:

If a runner asks for, and is granted a concession, of what concern is it to those around?  Envy? Freudenschade?

No, as a RD and a person that has been involved with that race, I think there are a lot of stuff they can do to make that race more appealing and better. It is not a priority. The fact they are allowing dogs probably mean they have given up on growing numbers.

Kato, on 24 July 2012 - 09:39 PM, said:

Greyhound races?   That's a daft analogy.

Yes, I know it is a daft analogy, that was the intent. Likewise the 'running with tortoise' comment. It was meant to show the daftness of it.

How about playing footy with my dog...ok that is daft too, get the point?

We have a 12 yo Labrador, and got home the other day to find that my daughter has a 3 month old shih tzu pomeranian , quite cute actually...growing on me. But really, I treat dogs like dogs and people like people, not the other way around as many in Australia tend to do

[thomo]

Kato, clearly to continue responding will not change any of your views.

BTW, I own a dog.

It was never about me.

I consider my fellow runners.

[Kato]

Colin, on 24 July 2012 - 10:05 PM, said:

No, as a RD and a person that has been involved with that race, I think there are a lot of stuff they can do to make that race more appealing and better. It is not a priority. The fact they are allowing dogs probably mean they have given up on growing numbers.

(snip)

Yes, I know it is a daft analogy, that was the intent. Likewise the 'running with tortoise' comment. It was meant to show the daftness of it.

How about playing footy with my dog...ok that is daft too, get the point?

We have a 12 yo Labrador, and got home the other day to find that my daughter has a 3 month old shih tzu pomeranian , quite cute actually...growing on me. But really, I treat dogs like dogs and people like people, not the other way around as many in Australia tend to do

Insulting another race doesn't make a valid argument.

Two daft analogies and a non sequitur don't either.

Thomo, if you had a point regarding dogs in running races maybe I would have a re-think.  But you're attacking dogs in races without a valid reason, and without any evidence accusing the dog's handler of being inconsiderate.

[Colin]

Kato, on 24 July 2012 - 10:31 PM, said:

Insulting another race doesn't make a valid argument.

Where do I do that? I pointed out that there are many things that the race can do to grow, besides having dogs run in it. That is a fact from someone that is quite familiar with the event. Dogs are not the first priority of any race, and does not take precedence over the comfort of humans.

By the way, from the article posted above ....

Quote

IF you start a conversation with someone about their pets these days – be prepared for some passionate (and “nutty”) responses – even from people who don’t generally get too fussed about things.
///////
...... don’t expect a rational response. This is not rational territory.

and

Quote

The family pet is just that – part of the family. But has our fixation on our pets become a kind of madness?

...I think you are doing fine here.

Edited by Colin, 25 July 2012 - 12:19 AM.

[Ames43]

Have to agree there colin! And I'm one of those crazy, irrational dog people referred to in that article!

I'm unsure how I feel about the dog running in the M7. I love running with my dogs, and I occasionally take them on group training runs but i never take them on a 'session' and I'd never enter a race with one. When I enter a race, I'm there to race and go as hard as I can. Running with my dog gives me a warm fuzzy feeling but it would ruin my race strategy! And I feel pretty damn strongly about prams getting in my way at the start of some races so I'd hate for someone else to feel the same about my woofer.

Then there's the whole...should a dog run a marathon thing? Im sure someone can point to research that says they can but dont like to run mine (boxers) over 10k, and only when it's cool. When we play at a park or run off lead the boys will go and have a lay down when they're 'done', but when they're on lead they generally just keep going. What if the M7 marathon dog has had enough on the 29th but his owner keeps running him? 

I'm a dog person but sometimes I wonder if we're projecting our own wants on them be it marathons or drizabone dog jackets (guilty!)

[Kato]

Ames43, on 25 July 2012 - 05:03 AM, said:

Have to agree there colin! And I'm one of those crazy, irrational dog people referred to in that article!

I'm unsure how I feel about the dog running in the M7. I love running with my dogs, and I occasionally take them on group training runs but i never take them on a 'session' and I'd never enter a race with one. When I enter a race, I'm there to race and go as hard as I can. Running with my dog gives me a warm fuzzy feeling but it would ruin my race strategy! And I feel pretty damn strongly about prams getting in my way at the start of some races so I'd hate for someone else to feel the same about my woofer.

Then there's the whole...should a dog run a marathon thing? Im sure someone can point to research that says they can but dont like to run mine (boxers) over 10k, and only when it's cool. When we play at a park or run off lead the boys will go and have a lay down when they're 'done', but when they're on lead they generally just keep going. What if the M7 marathon dog has had enough on the 29th but his owner keeps running him?

I'm a dog person but sometimes I wonder if we're projecting our own wants on them be it marathons or drizabone dog jackets (guilty!)

Ames43, I'm with you on this.  I could probably run my dog to a faster marathon, but I'm sure he would have given up liking it.  That's why I haven't done it.  I can tell when he's still enjoying a run.  I'm sure Mark Jensen also knows when Ty has had enough.  He should: he runs with his dog a lot.

Colin if you don't think that drawing the conclusion "they have given up on growing numbers" from "the fact that they are allowing dogs" doesn't speak more about your prejudices than the motives of the race director, and if you think that two excerpts from a piece of journalistic dross that talk of "nutty" and "madness" back you up, and make me out to be irrational, then I'm not surprised that you can't see when you're being insulting.  For someone who argues so very much, you're actually pretty lousy at it.

[runhard]

Running a full marathon with a dog?  Is that cruelty to the animal?  Has it done the necessary training?  

Is the dog racing or is the owner racing?   Is the dog running on its own or with the owner?  If it is with the owner then wouldnt that be counted as an aid  (for the dog or the owner)?  Totally different if the owner is blind!  

Im still not sure why the dog has been entered?  I hope, if it is running that it doesnt go too hard at the start as it might hit the wall at the 30k mark and then it will be a long walk to the finish.

So many questions.

RH

[Colin]

Kato, on 25 July 2012 - 07:25 AM, said:

////and if you think that two excerpts from a piece of journalistic dross that talk of "nutty" and "madness" back you up, and make me out to be irrational, then I'm not surprised that you can't see when you're being insulting.  For someone who argues so very much, you're actually pretty lousy at it.

For someone that plays the man so much --multiple posts in a row btw- you are quite bad at it. I thought at least you would make the effort to check the Good Weekend article to which that dross referred to. There you can see how some people treat their dogs better than humans.
BTW, argument is back and forth opinion- which you are doing-, I have given you actual researched references to human-dog interaction and known facts about the marathon.

[Eagle]

KatieR, on 22 July 2012 - 10:33 AM, said:

This story was in my local newspaper last week.

"MEET Ty the wonder dog - the kelpie border collie cross who is about to make dog history.
On July 29, Ty will run the 42.2km Westlink M7 Cities Marathon with owner Mark Jensen, who believes she will become the first dog in Australia to compete in a marathon."

http://penrith-press...e-doggie-world/

I am curious to know what other runners think regarding a dog participating in this Marathon event and other runs.

I have read the debate above with interest. I will probably be shouted down. I am totally against it.

[rachinaus]

I thought about entering my cats .. but when I mentioned it to them they just rolled over and went back to sleep

Not fussed as long as it doesn't run in front of me or disrupt me or any other runners in anyway by suddenly materialising alongside, veering in front of, scaring or in any other way hindering progress physically or psychologically ...what are the odds?

Oh and the bit about blind runners ... yes some run with dogs but as any regular CR will know often they run races partnered with a seeing runner so are not excluded because of a 'no dogs' policy.

[undercover brother]

i don't mind so long as they're not wearing an ipod.

[TropicThunder]

Eagle, on 25 July 2012 - 11:06 AM, said:

I have read the debate above with interest. I will probably be shouted down. I am totally against it.

& just make sure you don't grab the kangaroo meat Gel at an aid station.

[runhard]

rachinaus, on 25 July 2012 - 11:35 AM, said:

Not fussed as long as it doesn't run in front of me or disrupt me or any other runners in anyway by suddenly materialising alongside, veering in front of, scaring or in any other way hindering progress physically or psychologically ...what are the odds?

Unfortunately this cant be guaranteed. No matter how good the dog is, a dog is a dog. If it is a competitive dog, it might start growling as people over take!! Watch out I say  

[runwithdogs]

Can't help but agree that there are some really crazy dog people out there, I meet them at work on a regular basis. Colin's article is a very good example and I do agree with the author, some people go right over the top. But, I don't think people who want to run with their dog in a fun run fall into that category.

I had a chat to Mark this morning about Ty, nice guy and is extremely careful when he runs with Ty in an event. He's fully aware of the risk to other runners if he's careless and If someone passes him, he pulls over to the side and stops.

The dog has trained for this event under veterinary supervision so it's up for it. Working breeds like Kelpies and Border Collies are very athletic. Like us, Mark and Ty start at the back and run to the dog's pace, and with a 2 1/2 hour half marathon time, there's a lot of space around you at that end of the field. He's looking at doing the full marathon in around 5 hours. Ty was rescued literally just as she was about to get the green needle,and their running is promoting rescue and also raising funds for the RSPCA.

Have to agree with rachinaus, if a dog doesn't affect another runner at all, and the race director doesn't have a problem with it, why not? I've been more likely to be injured in a race by a runner stopping suddenly in front of me to do up their shoes - nearly went flying over the top of them. I also think dog owners who put the effort into training their dog and paying a race entry aren't going to do anything to jeopardise their dog being welcomed again next time.

If I could quote another Coolrunner after this year's Wildhorse Criterium:

I was a little dubious about the dogs being included but given the exceptional conduct of the dogs and their owners, plus the dogs obviously having a great old time (most covering a lot more than the measured distance!), I'm more than happy change my opinion on that and give the idea a thumbs up.

We've had other such comments and Mark too has had plenty of positive feedback about Ty and her behaviour. We've even been asked by a race director to be photographed with the dogs for their local newspaper in an article to promote their event.

Edited by runwithdogs, 25 July 2012 - 01:35 PM.

[hillclimb]

The question on whether a dog should run in a marathon comes down to consent from the dog itself. Regardless of how well trained the dog is, I doubt this dog "Ty" knows what it is in for when it walks onto the start line.

Reminds me of the story from a few years ago of a 6-year old Indian boy who ran in a few marathons before the government stepped in to ban children from running in marathons in India. This was later recorded in a documentary called Marathon Boy. It didn't end well for the boy who "retired" shortly after and  accuse his coach of forcing him to run and stealing money from him.

[thomo]

runwithdogs, on 25 July 2012 - 01:06 PM, said:

I had a chat to Mark this morning about Ty, nice guy and is extremely careful when he runs with Ty in an event. He's fully aware of the risk to other runners if he's careless and If someone passes him, he pulls over to the side and stops.
We've had other such comments and Mark too has had plenty of positive feedback about Ty and her behaviour. We've even been asked by a race director to be photographed with the dogs for their local newspaper in an article to promote their event.

This is all good. except it doesn't take into consideration several issues.

The course doubles back, there will be interaction with runners/walkers coming the other way, So there will be more than 5 hr pace runners to contend with.

That no one was aware dogs were allowed in the race. It is a human event and wasn't published on Dogs4pawsrunning.

It also doesn't take into consideration that not all people want or comtemplated any interaction with dogs in their run on sunday.

Having a person say there dog is social and is mindful of others. Except, whatever is said means nothing to a person who is afraid of dogs.

Regarding fundraising, many on this site have been involved in raising funds for worthy causes. Many ways of doing it without bringing their pet. I undestand that Mark wants to give back but there is a time and place. The M7 / Cites Marathon isn't the place.

BTW, I am not aware that SMH 1/2 marathon orgnanisers knew that Ty was involved.  I'm sure that it wouldn't be something they comtemplated when formulating their race planning or their application to Sydney Council to hold the event.

[halfwaydown]

Were I a dog owner and wanted my dog to run with me in a marathon I would not have chosen the M7 shared pathway as my first choice...Unless I started at the back and stayed at the back.
WHy - Other than the first 600 metres, the M7 shared pathway is no wider than a few metres and any dog lead attached could cause some havoc if you timed your ovetaking to the same time as the dog took a wander.
The evidence from Thomo's earlier post link to a video is of a friendly, active and inquisitive animal who can't help himself from switching from side to side over just a few metres to say hello - see how he reacts to runners coming the other way.
http://www.marathon-...hon&match=12275
Then there is the two way traffic after the 24km mark.  He would need to take more care there - but hopefully the field will have thinned out sufficiently by then to avoid any incident. Hopefully.

[runhard]

halfwaydown, on 25 July 2012 - 01:56 PM, said:

http://www.marathon-...hon&match=12275

I see your point with the lead watching that video! That is of major concern if the dog cuts across the path in front of someone at pace running the otherway and is tripped by the lead!

Im sure he has thought of this and the lead will be very short. much shorter than the one in that vid.

RH

[Pom]

My cat is totally against it. She wants to know if cats are allowed to enter?

[doddsy]

I would only accept a dog entering if they could meet both of the following,

1) clearly state their reasons in writing as to why they should be allowed to enter
2) show some previous effort in volunteering or organisng of races

Why should dogs be allowed, sorry but I am sure it has all the best intentions, but the dog only has to make one ill timed stop or turn and it could totally ruin someone elses day, someone who has paid and trained hard.

Not everyone likes dogs, and as some stated earlier other entrants will not know of this till the day, personally for me it would likely turn me off entering an event if dogs were also entered.

[OurDogScruff]

Our Dog Scruff wants to run the kids marathon.  Then when he's completed a couple of laps of the track he has a secret desire to perform in some field events and has been training hard...

 Cat_High_Jump_With_Dog.jpg   13.01K   8 downloads


If, when entering, you're clearly told that a dog will be running the course and you agree to this condition, I think it's fine.  I don't understand it, but that's up to the organisers.  I feel it can only end in total carnage, if not this time, then another time.

If on the other hand, and I believe this is the case, that you are not told that a dog is running when you enter, then the dog should not be allowed to run.

Woof

[Colin]

My tortoise wants to run, but the track has to be opened by 12 noonand he is afraid of losing to the snail.

My philosophy as an RD is , "don't make concessions on one aspect that cannot have a blanket application"....the bible (of RD's) says " For it is easier to give to a runner , than to taketh away". If you hypothetically had 20 people asking to run with a dog next year what do you do?

Edited by Colin, 25 July 2012 - 10:49 PM.

[walshy2]

Not sure what the fuss is about...... I'm starting from the Yellow Box in race 7 at Wentworth Park this Saturday night.

The Greyhound authority are such a progressive bunch.

Seriously though I have had far too many run in's with dogs in training runs to ever be comfortable with this concept.

[EverReadyBunny]

^{I c an't see what all the fuss is. Race director has approved. Assume dog has done training. I run with my flatmates dog all the time and pretty sure he could do a marathon if we tried. I haven't raced with him but mostly because I didn't think dogs were allowed at events. Much the same as an ipod rule, if that's the rule then I respect it. I often take Baxter to the Turramurra Trotters handicapped run where there are a lot of different people. Some that like dogs, some that wouldn't. I try to keep the dog at the back of the group early on and out of the way and it doesn't seem to have any impact and Baxter loves it.
Let the dog and the guy have a run.}  

[runhard]

Lets all bring a dog!!!!!  

[TropicThunder]

runhard, on 25 July 2012 - 09:08 PM, said:

Lets all bring a dog!!!!!  

I'll be bringing Walshy, johnbo, hornet and a few other stray muts........Just remembered didn't  CR "Greyhound" win it last year???

[walshy2]

TropicThunder, on 25 July 2012 - 09:19 PM, said:

runhard, on 25 July 2012 - 09:08 PM, said:

Lets all bring a dog!!!!!  

I'll be bringing Walshy, johnbo, hornet and a few other stray muts........Just remembered didn't  CR "Greyhound" win it last year???

and the 1st thing I''ll be doing is peeing on your leg!!

watch out for the other two though....I hear they are humpers

Edited by walshy2, 25 July 2012 - 09:46 PM.

[ratdog]

I will be running with a friend who is scared of dogs. I will be running for a 4:30 time on evenish splits.  

I will talk to the dog owner and come to some agreement with a signal so that if we cross paths then we can work around it in a logical and mutually beneficial way.

If that cant be agreed upon, ill bring my Tiger for a stroll.

Edited by ratdog, 25 July 2012 - 10:28 PM.

[Colin]

runhard, on 25 July 2012 - 09:08 PM, said:

Lets all bring a dog!!!!!  

There are a number of CR's who fit the bill. OurDogScruff and Ratdog have posted here, Greyhound won it last year, there is also Greyhoundracer...who else?

[thomo]

Colin, on 25 July 2012 - 10:51 PM, said:

There are a number of CR's who fit the bill. OurDogScruff and Ratdog have posted here, Greyhound won it last year, there is also Greyhoundracer...who else?

Is Blue Dog running? He has ran it before. I hear his bark is worse than his bite.

Edited by thomo, 25 July 2012 - 11:01 PM.