Doggonit, this pooch loves to run.
Jellybean, a six-year-old, nine-pound chihuahua mix known for running marathons alongside her owner, Andrew Owens, already has six marathons under her tail.
Lately, though, she’s been barking about a seventh event, with plans to unleash a new record in 2025.
“The goal is to try and make it in the record books. Not only for a marathon but also a half-marathon,” Owens told KRON-TV, per people.com.
Jellybean was adopted by Owens in 2023. While not initially keen to run alongside Owens or his other dog, Kodie, there was a change in attitude, and pace.
“We just did a little bit because I didn’t want to hurt her,” Owens told KRON-TV about how the dog’s running journey started. “We did a half-mile, and then she started running around at home. I thought, OK, I can take her on longer distances.”
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The distances expanded as Jellybean got stronger and more enthusiastic about running. Eventually, dog and owner reached a half-marathon and then a full marathon, about 42 kilometres.
Owens told the Sacramento Bee that his and Jellybean’s quickest marathon record so far was at the Garmin Kansas City Marathon in October, completed in three hours and 47 minutes.
“(Jellybean) doesn’t look like the typical half-marathoner, let alone a marathon finisher. But as she sprints past runners or crosses the finish line, she challenges every stereotype and assumption,” Owens told the outlet. “Jellybean reminds us that potential isn’t defined by appearances. It’s about heart, determination, and the work we’re willing to put in.”
Together, they “consistently” train “every weekend 20 to 30 miles.” Owens makes sure to “monitor” Jellybean’s “body language” to ensure she’s OK.
“We would run at maybe a 10-minute-per-mile pace … I don’t talk to Jellybean, but I’m monitoring her body language. Does she have her mouth open?” he told KRONT-TV about the signs he looks for that Jellybean wants to slow down.
Owens, shares Jellybean’s journey on Instagram and said that the canine motivated him to complete marathons, noting that “she motivates others as well.” He also told the Sacramento Bee that the canine is often met with words of encouragement from fellow competitors.
“It’s disbelief, and then it’s awe, and then ‘you inspire me,’” Owens said.
“Runners at races (say), ‘No way, he carried the dog, that dog’s not going to make it,’ “he continued. “And then people will come up after and say, ‘Did that dog do all of it?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, she did every single step.’ And they’re like, ‘No way. If that dog can do it.’”