Stray dog that finished half-marathon alongside human competitors awarded medal

A stray dog has won over the hearts of a community after it spontaneously completed a half-marathon alongside human competitors in outback Western Australia.

With dogged resolve, Stormy pawed his way through the 21-kilometre Goldfields Pipeline Marathon, which follows a segment of the historic pipeline supplying water to nearby Kalgoorlie.



The dog, which is understood to be from a nearby Aboriginal community, was awarded a participant's medal last week after passing through each checkpoint along the course.

Marathon volunteer coordinator Allison Hunter said she had never seen anything like it.

"This dog is walking around, making itself known to all the runners. We get the air horn out and say 'Go' and off he goes with everybody," Ms Hunter said.

Whisked away too soon

But before the pooch's journey was validated by officials, he was taken by rangers to a pound.

"A ranger has gone to Kurrawang and left a call card at the address given and spoken to the community," City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder chief executive John Walker said.

Under council rules, animals not claimed after seven days are put up for adoption.

Anchor Moy wrote: ↑Tue Jul 31, 2018 9:51 pm Wow. Bad move mate. So much for the fun run.

Whisked away too soon

But before the pooch's journey was validated by officials, he was taken by rangers to a pound.

"A ranger has gone to Kurrawang and left a call card at the address given and spoken to the community," City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder chief executive John Walker said.

Under council rules, animals not claimed after seven days are put up for adoption.