Sacramento, CA – Running a marathon demands determination, training, and heart – qualities that Andrew Owens possesses in abundance. However, what truly makes his story exceptional is his extraordinary running partner: Jellybean, a rescued Chihuahua from Sacramento who is quickly becoming a star in the marathon world.
At only nine pounds, Jellybean defies expectations, showcasing incredible endurance and spirit. She has already competed in seven marathons and two ultra-marathons, with a personal best marathon time of an astonishing 3 hours and 47 minutes. Her journey from a shelter rescue to a marathon top dog is inspiring runners and dog lovers alike.
The Marathon Journey of Jellybean
Jellybean’s marathon career began when Andrew Owens took her on short jogs and realized she was a natural runner. Without a traditional warmup, strict diet, or intense training — her ‘carb load’ consisting of dog treats — she runs alongside Andrew and his girlfriend Melissa with impressive speed and stamina. At recent events like the Berkeley Trail Adventure Run, Jellybean was observed running ahead of many participants, showcasing her surprising agility for a Chihuahua.
Owens emphasized the diversity in marathon participants, noting,
“What I’ve learned is that marathon runners come in all shapes and sizes.”
Inspiring Runners and Raising Awareness
The tiny trailblazer has become an inspiration for many. Her determination encourages others to challenge their limits. Owens shared a motivating encounter, saying,
“Someone came up to me and said, ‘If she can do it, why can’t I?'”
Her story is part of a growing trend promoting dog-friendly marathons. Craig Schmidt, organizer from Inside Trail Racing, noted that while dog participation is increasing, it requires significant training and careful consideration.
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He said,
“Not every dog is good to go running, not every dog is good to be out on the trails, so it’s definitely a lot of training that goes into it.”
Looking Ahead: World Records and Celebrations
Jellybean’s impressive feats have set her sights on even greater goals. She plans to attempt a world record for small dogs running a marathon in Utah next May. Despite the grueling races, Jellybean finishes with ease and enjoys celebratory treats immediately afterward. As Owens joked about their post-run routine, “Next stop, Chipotle kids meal chicken double cheese.”
Key Facts About Jellybean’s Marathon Achievements
- Weight: 9 pounds, rescued from Sacramento shelter
- Marathon participation: 7 marathons
- Ultra-marathons completed: 2
- Personal best marathon time: 3 hours, 47 minutes
- Upcoming event: World record attempt in Utah, May
For more inspiring coverage on Jellybean’s story, see the original report by CBS News Bay Area here.
What do you think about Jellybean’s incredible marathon journey? Have you ever run a race with your pet or witnessed a dog-friendly marathon? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!