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Running with your favorite four-legged friend is a great way to stay healthy while creating a special bond. However, no matter what level you're currently at, it's always important for both you and your pooch to ease into running and build up fitness over time. Our vets are here to help with an easy to follow running plan!

Should I go running with my dog?                      

First and foremost, before you start running with your dog, it’s important to consider whether it’s the right way to exercise your pooch. Not all dogs are suited to running – it all depends on their general health, breed, age and personality. Here’s some things to consider to help you decide whether your dog is suited to being your running partner.

General health and breed

When considering introducing running as part of your doggy’s routine, it’s important to remember that some dogs, such as those with medical issues and breeds with flat faces, are likely to struggle when running. If this is the case, leave them at home for your run and find alternative exercises for them.

It's best to have your pooch checked by your vet before you plan to run, so they can advise you on your dog's current fitness levels, and suggest how much running they will be able to manage. They’ll also be able to check whether your dog is the ideal shape and examine for any underlying medical problems that might affect their ability to run.

Age

If you have a puppy, you should always wait until they’re fully grown before taking them out on a run. It can be harmful to your pup if they run before their little body has matured, but there’s plenty of other puppy exercises that you can try in the meantime!

Personality

When deciding whether running is right for your pooch, you’ll need to think about whether it suits their personality – even a healthy pooch can be unwilling to take a sprint!

Bear in mind that while many doggies will keep up when you run, it doesn’t always mean that they’re enjoying it. Some dogs may run with you in a state of panic, because they’re worried they’re going to get left behind!

A good way of getting to know whether your dog is likely to enjoy running, is it look at their body language when you’re out for walks or exercising off lead. If they seem stressed when you walk away, or if they’re not keen to pick up the pace when exercising, running may not be suitable for your pooch. Remember that the aim of running is for you and your dog to enjoy spending time together, so you need to make sure they’re running because they want to. If your pooch isn’t keen to run, or they prefer a more leisurely pace, it’s best to stick to other exercises such as walking or a slow paced jog to ensure it’s enjoyable for them, too.

Getting started

Once you’ve decided that running is suitable for your pooch, you’ll need to think about how much exercise your dog needs. Remember that running shouldn’t be your dog’s only exercise – you’ll need to factor in time for playtime and walkies, too. Sniffing and exploring is just as important for doggies, so make sure that your dog is still getting a chance to explore the world with their nose!

Create a plan

When you taking your first running steps, it’s crucial to train slowly with a plan in place. To help you out, we’ve created a step-by-step schedule to follow. You’ll be able to take your route further as your dog gets fitter, but just remember to always work at your pooch’s pace throughout – and if your dog starts to struggle, or stops enjoying themselves, it's time to reassess your plan!

Step 1: Route planning

Carefully planning your route in advance is essential when it comes to running with your dog. You’ll need to think about how far you want to go and what kind of paths you’d like to follow – this will depend on your pooch’s breed, age, enthusiasm and current fitness level.You can get a rough idea of how long you and your dog can comfortably run by thinking about your current walks. Try making your runs shorter than your walks to start with, and build up slowly as you both get fitter – to begin with, you could aim for a run that’s around half the length of your usual walk, so you know you can get back home comfortably.

Stay safe by avoiding roads and busy areas as much as possible – and remember to think about hills or inclines. It takes a lot more energy to go uphill so you might want to avoid steep climbs until you’re both fit enough. Wide tracks with an even surface are ideal for running as you can keep a steady place, reducing the risk of trips or injuries – but remember that these paths can be popular with other runners and cyclists, so you’ll need to keep your dog close by, or consider quieter running times.

Step 2: Prepare!

From your dog’s running gear to checking the weather, you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared for your journey with a pre-run checklist – once they’re all ticked off, you’re ready to head out!

Check your dog’s harness: When running with your doggy, it’s really important to use a secure, safe harness that fits your dog perfectly. Make sure you try it on your dog ahead of your run to check that it fits comfortably and won’t rub. They’ll need to be able to run without the harness moving and becoming uncomfortable when out on their adventure!

Take a water bottle and bowl: Running is hard work, so it’s important to make sure you have water for your pooch, so you can stop for a drink when they need one.

Plan their dinner time: Exercising on a full stomach can be very uncomfortable for your dog and can cause them to be sick. It can also put some dogs more at risk of a life-threatening twisted stomach (GDV), so it’s important that you don’t exercise your dog too close to their meal time!

Have your vet’s phone number to hand: It’s always useful to have your vet’s number saved in your phone before you go, just in case anything goes wrong while you’re running.

Pack your bag: Don’t forget to take a small first aid kit and plenty of poop bags on any excursion with your pooch!

Check the weather: Always check the weather before you set off for a run, and never attempt to run in the heat. It’s best to exercise early in the morning or late in the evening during warm weather, but you might have to avoid running altogether if it gets really hot! If your dog shows any signs that they’re struggling with the heat, stop running immediately, seek shade and offer your dog some water.

Step 3: Walk it

You’ve planned your route and your bag is packed – the next step is to walk it with your four-legged friend! Taking it slowly and building yourself up by making sure you can walk your route first, is really important – and don’t forget to take breaks if either of you gets tired!

Once you’re both able to comfortably walk your chosen route without stopping, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 4: Jog it

Once you can comfortably walk your route, you’re ready to build your speed! It’s best to do this slowly by walking for five minutes, then jogging for two, walking for five minutes and so on. Once your dog gets used to jogging, you can start to reduce the time you are walking – keep doing this until you can both comfortably jog the full route.

Step 5: The big run!

So you’ve walked and jogged, now it’s time to run! Just like jogging, it’s important to build up slowly. As before, start by repeatedly running for a few minutes, followed by jogging for a few minutes, slowly increasing the time that you are running, until you’re both able to run the whole route. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your four-legged friend to make sure they’re not getting too tired!

Once you’ve achieved this, you and your four-legged friend can officially count yourselves as runners! Now you know the distance you are both able to manage, you can start to vary your route and prepare for new running new adventures!

Where it’s safe, many doggies may prefer to be off their lead when running, as this gives them plenty of opportunities to sniff and explore at their own pace, without slowing you down. However, running off the lead isn’t suitable for all dogs and locations, so you’ll need to ensure that they have a suitable harness and lead. Some harnesses can restrict your dog’s movement, so remember to do your research before deciding on your pooch’s perfect running gear! You’ll need to make sure it fits comfortably and doesn’t rub.

The prospect of seeing one of athletics' biggest stars back on the track is growing stronger, with Jakob Ingebrigtsen reportedly targeting a return to competition later this summer following his recovery from Achilles tendon surgery.

According to comments made by his agent, Daniel Wessfeldt, in an interview with Norwegian media, the double Olympic champion could make his long-awaited comeback at one of three major European meetings in July. The leading options under consideration are the Monaco Diamond League on July 10, the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix on July 14, and the London Diamond League on July 18.

For athletics fans, the possibility of Ingebrigtsen lining up in London would add another layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated Diamond League meeting. The Norwegian middle-distance sensation has become one of the sport's most dominant figures in recent years, collecting Olympic, world and European titles while consistently rewriting record books.

His 2026 campaign was put on hold after he underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon earlier this year, forcing him to focus on rehabilitation rather than competition. Since then, questions have surrounded when the 24-year-old would be ready to return to racing.

The latest update suggests that decision will largely depend on how his training progresses over the coming weeks. If recovery continues according to plan, July could mark the beginning of his return to elite competition ahead of the latter stages of the season.

A comeback at either Monaco, Budapest or London would immediately place Ingebrigtsen back among the sport's biggest storylines. Each meeting is renowned for producing world-class performances, and any appearance by the Norwegian would attract significant attention from fans eager to see how quickly he can regain top form after his injury setback.

While no final decision has been confirmed, the signs are increasingly positive. After months away from competition, Jakob Ingebrigtsen appears to be edging closer to a return, with London's Diamond League meeting emerging as one of the most intriguing possibilities on his road back to the track.

Should his recovery continue smoothly, athletics could soon welcome back one of its brightest and most influential stars.

What should have been the defining moment of Emad Bashir-Mohammed's young running career instead turned into one of the most talked-about controversies in American road racing this year.

The 23-year-old crossed the finish line first in the men's citizen's race at the prestigious Bolder Boulder 10K on Memorial Day in Colorado, stopping the clock at an impressive 29:50. His performance was not only a commanding victory but also one of the fastest winning times ever recorded in the event's long and celebrated history. Bashir-Mohammed finished eight seconds clear of his nearest challenger and appeared to have secured a breakthrough triumph.

For nearly two hours, he was the undisputed winner.

Then everything changed.

Race officials announced that Bashir-Mohammed had been disqualified after determining that he had started in the wrong wave. According to Bolder Boulder regulations, he had been assigned to the AA wave but lined up with the faster A wave, which began earlier. Event rules allow runners to move backward into a slower wave, but prohibit athletes from advancing into a faster one.

As a result, Bashir-Mohammed's victory was erased from the record books.

The citizen's title was subsequently awarded to Nickolas Scudder, who crossed the line second in 29:58. The promotion handed Scudder back-to-back citizen's race victories, while Bashir-Mohammed was left to grapple with the disappointment of losing a win he believed he had earned on the road.

The disqualification has since ignited widespread debate across the running community.

Bashir-Mohammed maintains that he did not intentionally violate the rules. He claims that after collecting his AA bib, he spoke with race personnel and was permitted to start with the A wave after presenting evidence of his recent performances. In a statement shared after the race, he expressed frustration over the decision, arguing that his goal was simply to compete against the strongest field available and produce the fastest time possible.

Race organizers, however, stood firmly behind their ruling. Officials stated that wave-assignment regulations are clearly communicated in pre-race information and reiterated during packet collection. They also noted that hundreds of participants are disqualified each year for moving into faster start groups, emphasizing that consistent enforcement is necessary to maintain fairness for all competitors.

The incident has divided opinion among runners and fans alike. Some believe the rules must be applied equally regardless of an athlete's finishing position, arguing that wave assignments are a fundamental part of race organization. Others feel the punishment is harsh, particularly if Bashir-Mohammed genuinely received approval to move up before the start.

What remains undisputed is the quality of his performance. On the roads of Boulder, Bashir-Mohammed demonstrated the fitness and speed required to outrun the field by a significant margin. Yet in road racing, crossing the finish line first is only part of the equation. Compliance with race regulations carries equal weight.

For Bashir-Mohammed, the day will be remembered as a painful lesson in the fine margins that can define elite competition. A remarkable run delivered a memorable victory, but a dispute over wave placement ultimately overshadowed the achievement, leaving behind a controversy that continues to fuel discussion throughout the running world.

A fast race, a costly administrative error, and a debate that may linger long after the finish-line tape has been packed away.

The men's 100 metres at the 2026 Rome Diamond League is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sprint races of the season, with an exceptional field featuring some of the fastest men in the world.

Scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome, the race will bring together reigning stars, established champions and emerging talents in a contest that promises fireworks from the moment the gun goes off.

Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala headlines a world-class lineup that includes American sprint sensation Noah Lyles, Botswana's Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, Jamaica's explosive Ackeem Blake, South Africa's ever-consistent Akani Simbine and Italy's hometown hero Lamont Marcell Jacobs. With personal bests ranging from 9.77 to 9.97 seconds, the field is packed with athletes capable of producing something special on the Diamond League stage.

Omanyala, the African record holder with a blistering personal best of 9.77 seconds, arrives in Rome eager to continue his strong early-season form and prove he can challenge the very best on the global circuit. The Kenyan star has built a reputation as one of the fastest starters in world sprinting and will be looking to make a statement against an elite field.

Standing in his way is world champion Noah Lyles, whose personal best of 9.79 seconds places him among the fastest athletes in history. The American remains one of the sport's biggest attractions and will be determined to add another Diamond League victory to his impressive résumé.

The race also marks a major test for Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo. The Botswanan star has rapidly become one of athletics' most exciting talents, while Ackeem Blake continues to establish himself as a serious contender on the international sprint scene.

Adding further intrigue is the presence of Italy's Lamont Marcell Jacobs. Competing on home soil, the Tokyo Olympic champion will enjoy passionate local support as he seeks to deliver a memorable performance in front of the Roman crowd.

South Africa's Akani Simbine, Cameroon's Emmanuel Eseme, Great Britain's Jeremiah Azu and rising American talent Jordan Anthony complete a field that boasts remarkable depth and quality.

Men's 100m Entry List – Rome Diamond League 2026

Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya) – PB: 9.77

Noah Lyles (USA) – PB: 9.79

Lamont Marcell Jacobs (Italy) – PB: 9.80

Akani Simbine (South Africa) – PB: 9.82

Letsile Tebogo (Botswana) – PB: 9.86

Ackeem Blake (Jamaica) – PB: 9.88

Jordan Anthony (USA) – PB: 9.91

Emmanuel Eseme (Cameroon) – PB: 9.96

Jeremiah Azu (Great Britain) – PB: 9.97

With multiple national record holders, global champions and Olympic medal contenders sharing the same start line, the Rome Diamond League men's 100m could deliver one of the fastest races of the year. For sprint fans around the world, all eyes will be on Rome as a stellar cast battles for supremacy over athletics' blue-riband distance.

Audrey Werro announced her arrival as one of the early stars of the 2026 outdoor season with a commanding victory in the women’s 800 metres at the Rabat Diamond League, producing a performance that exceeded even her own expectations.

The Swiss middle-distance talent surged to victory in a brilliant 1:56.56, breaking the meeting record and delivering one of the fastest times recorded worldwide this season. In a race packed with quality, Werro displayed exceptional composure, confidence, and finishing strength to separate herself from the field and stamp her authority on the event.

What made the performance even more remarkable was the athlete's surprise at the level she had already reached so early in the campaign.

"I was not expecting such a strong start to the season," Werro admitted after the race.

The race unfolded at a relentless pace, but Werro remained perfectly positioned throughout. As the athletes approached the bell lap, she glanced at the clock and immediately sensed something special was within reach.

"When I saw the time at the bell, I felt really confident," she said. "I'm really happy with the Meeting Record and looking forward to the rest of the season."

Her confidence proved justified. Maintaining her rhythm over the final 400 metres, Werro powered down the home straight to secure the victory and rewrite the Rabat meeting record books in the process.

The performance sends an early warning to her rivals ahead of a season that promises major championships and high-profile Diamond League battles. Beyond the record-breaking time, Werro's display highlighted her growing maturity as a racer, combining tactical awareness with impressive speed and endurance.

With the outdoor season only beginning, the 1:56.56 clocking suggests that even faster times could be on the horizon. If Rabat is any indication, Audrey Werro may be poised for the biggest season of her career.

Her emphatic victory in Morocco was more than just another Diamond League win—it was a statement of intent from an athlete determined to challenge the world's best throughout 2026.

The city of Boston is set to welcome back one of its most celebrated champions as Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi headlines a world-class field for the 2026 B.A.A. 10K presented by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute on June 21.

Fresh from another remarkable victory at the Boston Marathon in April, Lokedi returns to the streets of Boston and Cambridge carrying both momentum and confidence as she aims to defend the title she captured in dominant fashion last year.

The two-time Boston Marathon champion has developed a special connection with the historic race city. In 2025, she produced a course-record performance of 2:17:22 to win the Boston Marathon before returning this year to claim another victory in 2:18:51, the second-fastest winning time in the event’s storied history. Her success has cemented her status as one of the premier road runners in the world.

Lokedi will be making her first competitive appearance since her marathon triumph and arrives as the reigning B.A.A. 10K champion after clocking 31:39 over the challenging 6.2-mile course in 2025.

“Boston has become a very special place for me,” Lokedi said ahead of the race. “The atmosphere created by the fans and the community is unlike anywhere else. I’m excited to return and give everything I have to defend my title.”

The women’s race promises to be highly competitive. American Olympian Rachel Smith, who finished second at the Boston 5K in April, leads the domestic challenge. Kenya’s strong contingent includes African 10,000m champion Gladys Kwamboka, former B.A.A. 10K runner-up Stacy Ndiwa, and experienced road racer Viola Cheptoo. British Olympian Jessica Warner-Judd adds further international depth to a field packed with proven performers.

The men’s race is equally impressive, featuring elite athletes from 13 nations.

Ethiopia’s Dawit Seare enters as one of the leading contenders after capturing the 2025 Boston 5K title and bringing the fastest 10K personal best in the field at 27:21. Kenya will be represented by an accomplished group led by Alexander Mutiso, winner of the 2024 London Marathon and runner-up at last year’s New York City Marathon.

Patrick Kiprop also arrives in outstanding form after securing victory at the prestigious BolderBoulder 10K on Memorial Day, while Alex Masai returns looking to continue his strong record in Boston. Masai recently finished ninth at the Boston Marathon and has earned three top-ten finishes at the B.A.A. 10K.

Among the international stars making their mark is South Africa’s Adriaan Wildschutt, who makes his race debut after an impressive season highlighted by victory at the NYC Half Marathon in 59:30. Ethiopia’s Olympic bronze medallist Hagos Gebrhiwet adds further quality to the field, bringing a wealth of championship experience and previous success in Boston.

Canadian national 10K champion Andrew Alexander, two-time U.S. Olympian Hillary Bor, marathon standout Ryan Ford, and reigning USA 25K champion Andrew Colley complete a field stacked with talent and depth.

With defending champions, Olympic finalists, national champions and rising stars all converging on Boston, the 2026 B.A.A. 10K is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent memory. For Sharon Lokedi, however, the mission is simple: return to the city where she has repeatedly excelled and add another memorable chapter to her growing Boston legacy.