Lutton and "Josie" Compete in New York's Doggie Dash

Courtesy Photo Jeff Lutton and "Josie" finished fourth and are gunning for a podium finish this year.

For far too long, canine athletes have faithfully trained alongside their human counterparts, only to be left on the sidelines on race day. No longer.

The Iams World Championship Doggies Dash gives runners and best friend the chance to compete in tandem over a 5-mile course in New York's Central Park.

The annual event, held Sunday during the 9th Annual Nautica New York City Triathlon, featured two Alexandria runners this year, one two-footed and one four-legged: Alexandria Dogtopia owner Jeff Lutton and his trusty canine (and Chief Operations Director) "Josie." Before the race, Jeff and Josie appeared on CBS' Early Show on July 24.  

Josie and his Master are sponsored by Cardio Canine, company that makes a hands free running leash, and one that Lutton recently purchased.  Cardio Canine is not affiliated with Dogtopia.   
 
"My training has gone well for the Doggie Dash," Lutton said.  "We have a group of fellow doggie athletes who helped me work hard.  My friend Max, a whippet mix, has been great to pace my tempo runs and Riley, a lab mix, has been super in steady runs.  Copper, Sid and Reign are always around to cheer me on.  A big thanks to Dr. Nelson, the Jillian Michaels of dogs and the driving force of Pawsitively Fit at Alexandria Animal Hospital, for keeping me healthy leading up to the race."
 
Here’s a link to the event
 
Read Josie's blog here.