Running News Daily

With five golden retrievers of her own, Golbeck is the dog whisperer you didn’t know you needed.

I am not one of those people who has a love/hate relationship with running. I love it purely and wholly. It feels like my body was made to do it. I love being outside and moving, and the rush of endorphins is great. If I could run all day, I would.

I started running ultramarathons to give myself permission to run forever, and found that even after running 100 miles or for 31 hours, I love it. 

Like all runners, though, I have days when it’s hard to get out the door. Sometimes I’m tired, and I waste hours procrastinating when it’s cold and rainy out. Fortunately, though, I have five golden retrievers and they always need walks. Even in bad weather, one will run over with enthusiasm and joy, stretching their neck toward the collar. In those cases, to delay my run would be to deny them happiness, so suddenly it’s easy to go outside.

While I can walk five dogs at once—that’s me in the top picture with Swizzle, Venkman, Hopper, Guacamole, and Chief Brody—I never run with them all together nor do I do ultra distances with them! 

While I have run with two dogs at once, it’s safest to run with just one, because when I do take two, we stop more often, and they inevitably get tangled. Then my focus becomes more on dog management than running. 

In The Purest Bond: Understanding the Human-Canine Connection, Stacey Colino and I explore the science behind how relationships with dogs make human lives better. Certainly, dogs help humans move more and form better relationships in their communities. Science also shows that dogs enjoy running with us, both because of how it makes them feel physically and because they get to spend time with us.

One of my favorite workouts is to take each dog out for one or two miles until everyone who wants a run has had a chance to go out. 

I’ve learned a lot about running with dogs over the years, so I’m sharing my tips for how to run safely and successfully with your own four-legged friends. 

5 Tips to Better Running With Your Dog

If you want to start running with your dog, start by telling your veterinarian how far and fast you run, so they can give you specific information about your dog’s ability. Once you have the go ahead, follow these five tips to make your runs more enjoyable and safe—for both you and your pup.

1. Learn Leash Skills

When I was a graduate student, I tried to take my two golden retrievers, Pi and K, for a run. Suddenly, K spotted something exciting across the street, bolted, and pulled me off the sidewalk. I hobbled home with a sprained ankle. 

To avoid unexpected accidents, work on your leash skills before you start running with your dog. Sure, a dog who pulls makes uphill runs easier, but a dog who bolts for squirrels or in traffic is a risk. 

You’ll know your dog has solid leash skills if they run calmly alongside you with a loose leash, and you don’t have to pull to control them. They also should have enough self control to not dart out at animals or jump at sounds. 

Your dog should also respond to commands such as “stop” or “wait,” and be able to respond to your speed, rather than you having to keep up or wait for them, especially if you want to run at a consistent pace. 

If you have a scent dog, you may need to separate your runs from walks where they are able to follow their nose and go at their own pace. Habits like stopping to sniff can be managed with leash training. 

My dog, Guacamole, a notorious stop-and-sniff dog, knows the difference between walks and runs, based on the way I hold the leash and, obviously, my speed. It’s like a form of non-verbal communication between the two of us. Guacamole understands that he is supposed to match my pace, whether I’m running or walking and he is able to adjust himself.

Good leash discipline is also useful when you encounter others on a trail. 

2. Start With Short Runs

You won’t be surprised to learn that dogs are wired to run, according to research. Aside from having four legs, research shows that dogs also have an increase in endocannabinoids (eCBs) after a run. This is one of the main neurotransmitters believed to play a role in the runner’s high. 

Of course, human runs and dog runs are very different. For example, while small dogs can be good running partners, toy breeds have to take a lot of steps to keep up with humans. Dedicated runners with dogs who may not be right for running can always consider using a jogging stroller to bring their pal along with them!

Some dogs may also be better walking partners. For example, dogs with smooshed faces (“brachycephalic”) or with short limbs, such as bulldogs and corgis, can have difficulty running and be at higher risk for injury. Again, check in with your dog’s vet for advice about how far, how fast, and how frequently your dog should run. 

Natural runners, such as hounds, can still vary in the distances they prefer. My golden retrievers are comfortable with around three miles, but they are not built to be long-distance runners. Huskies, herding dogs (Australian shepherd, border collies, and others), and Vizslas are all good at going for distance.

All runners should follow the 10-percent rule for increasing their distance or intensity (an increase of no more than 10 percent each week) and this rule applies to dogs, too. 

Remember, though, dogs can get the same overuse injuries as people. Be on the lookout for new limps, tenderness, or hesitation, which may indicate your dog is exceeding their abilities. 

3. Learn Your Dog‘s Fuel and Hydration Needs

You need water on a run that’s over a couple of miles, and your dog does, too. Consider hydration for them, too, which means carrying at least a collapsible bowl and adding enough water to your supply to share. 

If you have a breed that runs long distances, bring food, such as biscuits or treats, so they can stay fueled, too. If you’re going for a long run and don’t feel like carrying your dog’s supplies, you can find harnesses with pockets so your dog can carry their own food and water (and poop bags!), which will lighten your load.

Just like humans, my dogs are often hungrier on days that they run, so I take cues from them if they need more food. It can be a little tough to tease out when they are actually hungry because of the extra activity versus their normal habit of begging for extra food, but with attention, I have learned to tell the difference. When my dogs go to the kitchen after dinner looking for snacks or extra food or if the beg more aggressively for my food, it suggests to me that I need to feed them more. 

If your dog pants hard for a very long time with a bit elongated tongue or they are more lethargic than usual after a run, it may be a sign that you went too far. Watch their recovery just as you should pay attention to your own. 

4. Understand the Way Weather Affects Animals

Your dog may not need as much gear as you do, but it’s important to prepare for different weather conditions. 

In hot weather, be sure to check the heat of the pavement. If it feels hot to your touch, it can burn your dog’s paws. In the Florida Keys where I live, I only take my dogs for nighttime runs during hot months.

If you live somewhere cold, your dog’s paws could literally freeze to the pavement. Plus, snow may form ice balls inside their paws, and the salt used to prevent icing on sidewalks can irritate their pads. An affordable and effective solution for snow and trail running are sled dog booties, used by mushers and their dog sled teams. For road running, you can also find options with a tougher sole. 

Also, pay attention to your dog’s response to the weather. Even in mild weather, dogs can get overheated on a run. Usually, they will show this with excessive panting or by simply lying down and refusing to continue. It is crucial to give them a break in these situations, even if it means gently walking home and cutting your run short.

5. Get Them Safety Gear

In 2022, we fostered a dog named Nacho for six months. He was a very energetic 18-month-old golden retriever who needed a lot of exercise. I earned two visits to the orthopedic surgeon—once for a sprained shoulder and one for a damaged finger tendon—from those runs. 

Not only had we not mastered leash skills, but I also had the wrong equipment. After those doctor visits, I switched to a waist leash so I could use my whole bodyweight to control him. You will typically weigh more than your dog, so these leashes may help you control their movement. However, some dogs are stronger than their owners, and it can be hard to balance when they pull you by the waist. So test out a waist leash on a shorter distance before you go long and see how it feels. 

The scariest moments I have had with dogs is when they pulled the leash out of my hands and got away from me in the dark. In addition to the waist leash, which you can’t drop, I use LED collars at night. 

You can buy plastic loops and collars with embedded rechargeable LEDs, or flashing tags for their normal collars. All of these gadgets give you a visual cue about where your dog is. They also make your dog—and you!—visible to traffic and to other people.

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden delivered a sensational performance in Budapest, storming to victory in the women’s 100m at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in a breathtaking 10.62 seconds.

The American produced a superb display of acceleration and composure to claim the World Ultimate Championship title while recording the fastest women’s 100m time in the world this year. Her 10.62 mark underlined her exceptional form and placed her firmly at the top of the global sprinting hierarchy.

Jefferson-Wooden controlled the race through the decisive stages and maintained her form all the way to the finish to secure a statement victory against a field packed with championship pedigree. She crossed the line ahead of Olympic champion Julien Alfred, who clocked 10.74 seconds with a -0.2 m/s wind, while Sha’Carri Richardson took third in 10.76.

Women’s 100m Final

1. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden — 10.62

2. Julien Alfred — 10.74 (-0.2 m/s)

3. Sha’Carri Richardson — 10.76

The victory was especially significant given the quality of the opposition. Jefferson-Wooden held her nerve against Alfred and Richardson, two of the most accomplished sprinters of the current generation, to produce the fastest performance in the world this year when it mattered most.

Alfred once again demonstrated her consistency at the highest level by taking silver, while Richardson completed an all-star podium in a race that brought together three of the biggest names in women’s sprinting.

But beyond the time, the title and the celebration, one of the most touching moments came after the race when Jefferson-Wooden embraced her father, Melvin, in an emotional celebration.

Their moment carried a deeply personal meaning. When Melissa was just 17 years old, she donated her stem cells to help her father undergo a bone marrow transplant after he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. Years later, the two shared an unforgettable embrace in Budapest after she had become the World Ultimate Champion.

For Jefferson-Wooden, however, the evening was about far more than a medal. It was the culmination of an extraordinary journey, now highlighted by a world-leading 10.62 seconds on one of the biggest stages in athletics.

With the Ultimate Championship title secured and her father by her side, Jefferson-Wooden leaves Budapest with more than being an ultimate champion. She leaves with momentum, confidence and a powerful statement of intent — turning a high-profile showdown into one of the defining sprint performances of her season.

Audrey Werro has added another major title to her extraordinary season, storming to victory in the women’s 800m at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest.

The Swiss star delivered a commanding performance, taking control from the opening gun and refusing to surrender the lead as she powered through an absorbing battle against two of the biggest names in the event.

Werro stopped the clock at 1:55.88 to become the Ultimate Championships 800m champion, producing another statement performance on one of the sport’s newest and most prestigious stages.

Behind her, Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson fought her way to second in 1:56.26, while the Netherlands’ Femke Broeders-Bol completed the podium in 1:56.74.

The result once again brought together the same formidable trio that featured on the podium at the European Championships, but Werro again proved to be the athlete who could rise above the challenge when it mattered most.

Her Budapest triumph is the latest chapter in a season that has already included records, a successful Diamond League Trophy defence and European Championship gold. Now, she can add the Ultimate Championships crown to a growing list of accomplishments.

Werro’s consistency has been particularly impressive in an 800m event packed with elite talent. Rather than simply relying on a fast finish, the Swiss athlete showed her authority by taking the initiative from the beginning and maintaining enough strength and composure to hold off Hodgkinson and Broeders-Bol all the way to the line.

The victory also underlined the remarkable depth of the women’s 800m, with three athletes separated by less than a second at the finish. Hodgkinson’s 1:56.26 and Broeders-Bol’s 1:56.74 showed just how fiercely contested the race was, but Werro’s decision to dictate the pace ultimately gave her the decisive advantage.

For Werro, this was more than another medal. It was another opportunity to demonstrate that her rise is no passing moment. On a stage featuring established champions and elite rivals, she once again produced the performance required to claim the biggest prize.

For Hodgkinson, the silver medal adds another major podium finish, while Broeders-Bol once again demonstrated her ability to compete with the very best over two laps.

But the spotlight in Budapest belonged unmistakably to Werro.

With another championship crown secured, the Swiss star has strengthened her claim as the athlete setting the standard in women’s 800m running. This is Audrey Werro’s era — and the rest of the field is chasing.

Busang Collen Kebinatshipi has delivered another sensational performance, storming to victory in the men’s 400m at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

The reigning world champion stopped the clock at an astonishing 43.39 seconds, smashing his own Botswana national record and moving to fifth on the world all-time list.

Kebinatshipi produced a commanding finish to pull away from his rivals and secure the Ultimate Championship title. American star Rai Benjamin finished second in 44.15, while Jereem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago completed the podium in 44.23.

 Men’s 400m

1. Busang Collen Kebinatshipi — 43.39 NR

2. Rai Benjamin — 44.15

3. Jereem Richards — 44.23

The performance is even more remarkable considering that Kebinatshipi had already rewritten the Botswana record just one week ago in Brussels, where he ran 43.40. In Budapest, he lowered that mark by another 0.01 seconds to establish a new national record of 43.39.

That improvement has also propelled the 22-year-old into rare territory. His latest time now ranks him fifth fastest in history over 400m, placing him among an extraordinary group of athletes who have broken the 43.40 barrier.

Kebinatshipi's victory also caps an extraordinary season for the Botswana star. After establishing himself as a global champion, he has continued to demonstrate that he belongs among the very best one-lap runners in the world.

And there is a major reward for his historic night in Budapest: Kebinatshipi walks away as the Ultimate Champion and $150,000 richer.

From another national record to a place among the five fastest 400m runners ever, Kebinatshipi has turned an already remarkable season into something truly special.

Botswana has its latest sprinting superstar — and Kebinatshipi is showing that his ceiling may be even higher than anyone imagined. 

Marileidy Paulino once again proved why she is the undisputed queen of the one-lap event, powering to victory in the women’s 400m at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

The Dominican Republic superstar produced a sensational 49.07 seconds to claim gold, pulling decisively away in the final straight and holding off a fiercely competitive field to extend her remarkable unbeaten run.

Paulino delivered her trademark combination of controlled speed and devastating finishing strength. She remained firmly in contention through the opening stages before unleashing her decisive move down the home straight, where she quickly opened a gap on her closest challengers.

Norway’s Henriette Jæger mounted a strong challenge but could not match Paulino’s finishing speed, crossing the line second in an impressive 49.28. Jamaica’s Nickisha Pryce completed the podium after clocking 49.56, ensuring that three of the world’s leading 400m talents occupied the medals.

The result once again underlined Paulino’s extraordinary consistency at the highest level. She entered Budapest as the world leader after running 48.48 in Paris in June, a performance that also set a Diamond League record. She subsequently remained unbeaten throughout her Diamond League campaign, closing the circuit with a meeting-record 48.64 in Brussels.

Budapest has also become a special venue in Paulino’s career. Three years ago, at the same National Athletics Centre, she captured her first individual world title, marking the beginning of another dominant chapter in her career. She later added Olympic gold in Paris in 2024, further establishing herself among the defining 400m athletes of her generation.

The inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship has brought together the sport’s biggest stars in a new winner-takes-the-spotlight format, with Olympic and world champions, Diamond League winners and leading performers competing for ultimate honours.

For Paulino, the occasion once again ended with Ultimate Crown on her arms.

With 49.07 seconds, she did more than win another major 400m title. She delivered another statement of authority, powering through the final straight with the confidence and speed that have made her one of the most dominant figures in modern women’s athletics.

Marileidy Paulino remains unbeaten, remains relentless and, once again, remains the queen of the one lap.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen has made a major decision regarding the remainder of his World Athletics Ultimate Championship campaign, confirming that he will withdraw from the men’s 1500m in Budapest despite producing a sensational performance to win the 5,000m title.

The Norwegian superstar stormed to victory in the inaugural Ultimate Championship 5,000m on Friday night, clocking a season-best 12:59.24 and delivering a devastating finishing kick to defeat Olympic 5,000m champion Cole Hocker and American Parker Wolfe.

Ingebrigtsen’s final 100 metres was arguably the defining moment of the race. The Olympic champion produced a remarkable 12.60-second closing 100m, powering away from the field to secure the $150,000 winner’s prize and underline just how far his fitness has progressed since returning from Achilles surgery.

The victory was particularly significant after what has been an extremely difficult period for the 25-year-old. Earlier in the season, Ingebrigtsen faced serious uncertainty over whether he would even be able to compete at the highest level again. His return has gradually gathered momentum, and his performance in Budapest offered perhaps the clearest indication yet that the Norwegian is rediscovering his formidable racing ability.

But rather than risk pushing his recovering body further, Ingebrigtsen has now opted to step away from the 1500m.

The decision means the highly anticipated showdown with British rival Josh Kerr will not take place in Budapest after all. The two stars had been expected to renew one of the biggest rivalries in modern middle-distance running in the 1500m final.

Instead, Ingebrigtsen is looking beyond the immediate opportunity and towards the bigger picture.

“I’m thinking about 2027… Fitness cannot be faked,” the Norwegian said, signalling that protecting his long-term condition has become more important than chasing another major victory only days after his return to peak-level competition.

The decision comes just one week after an emotionally charged Diamond League Final in Brussels, where Ingebrigtsen finished fourth in the 1500m behind Australia’s Cameron Myers, Kenya’s Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech and American Ethan Strand.

After that race, Ingebrigtsen delivered a fiery assessment of his rivals and questioned the tactics surrounding the pacemaking, particularly involving Hocker. He later acknowledged that there had been “a little too much adrenaline and emotion” when microphones were placed in front of him immediately after the race.

Yet his latest decision shows that beneath the emotion and competitive intensity lies a longer-term strategy.

Ingebrigtsen has already demonstrated that he can compete at an elite level again. His 12:59.24 in Budapest was not simply a victory — it was a statement that the Norwegian remains capable of producing a world-class finish even after months of injury rehabilitation.

Now, however, he is choosing not to gamble with that progress.

For a runner who has spent much of the year fighting his way back from injury, another 1500m race could have offered enormous rewards but also carried unnecessary risk. By withdrawing, Ingebrigtsen is effectively prioritising longevity over one more opportunity for immediate glory.

His message is clear: the comeback is underway, but it will not be rushed.

The 5,000m victory has given Ingebrigtsen confidence, momentum and perhaps, most importantly, proof that his body can once again handle elite competition.

Now comes the harder part — knowing when to stop.

With 2027 already firmly in his sights, the Norwegian has chosen recovery over risk. And after everything he has endured, that could ultimately prove to be one of the most important decisions of his comeback.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen is not walking away from the sport. He is protecting his future in it.