Runners in Alabama may have bitten off more competition than they anticipated in a race earlier this month.
A dog finished in the top ten in the Elkmont Half Marathon — The Trackless Train Trek on January 16 and has become quite the Internet sensation.
Ludivine, a bloodhound, got away from her owner at the start of the race and ended up running the entire 13.1 miles.
She competed without human or leash. “Her owner doesn’t even run! That’s what makes the story even better,” race director Gretta Armstrong told CNN.
Ludivine finished seventh out of 165 runners in just under an hour and a half. Although not counted as an official participant in the race, the athletic dog was presented with a well-earned medal.
The course began in downtown Elkmont, Alabama, before winding through the rolling rural roads around the Alabama town, according to the race’s website. Money raised from the race benefits the Elkmont High School cross country and track/field programs.
