- Dogs can be ideal companions even in the most demanding challenges.
- Nova, a vizsla, ran an ultramarathon sleeping every few kilometers.
- This is a story of training, trust and an unconditional friendship.
When I say to my dog, “Wanna go for a run?” he loses his mind with joy. Honestly, I’m not sure which one of us is more excited about heading out for a 10K. I get hyped just seeing how happy he is. And he? Probably just thrilled to be outside. Not that it matters—we’re both all in.
Those 9 or 10 kilometers we cover together mean more than the distance. It’s an ongoing conversation—glances, pauses, sprints, a few potholes to sniff, the water fountain at km 6 (he knows exactly where it is).
But then I read about Evan Birch and his dog Nova, and thought: okay, this is another level.
Running as therapy
Evan’s a paramedic from Calgary—a demanding job that doesn’t exactly come with a built-in off switch. Like a lot of us, he found in running a way to manage stress and reconnect with himself, since most of his time is spent helping others.
He started small. Short runs turned into long runs. Then longer. We’re talking 40, 60 kilometers. Somewhere along the way, Nova came into his life—a Hungarian Vizsla puppy with serious energy.
Nova isn’t just a pet—she’s a running partner. And not because Evan trained her to be. It was all there from the start: in her muscles, her gaze, her vibe. She wanted to run. Once she was old enough—physically ready for the mileage—Evan brought her along. First a few miles, then more, and more. Until one day, they looked at each other (or maybe just knew), and thought: “What if we went ultra?”
One ultra, four legs, two hearts
The race? The Canadian Death Race: 118 kilometers of mountain terrain, serious elevation, and weather that changes by the hour. Not exactly a casual Sunday jog. But Nova was trained, dialed in, and totally on board.
They trained together almost daily for months. Nova never showed signs of struggle. If anything, she seemed to pull Evan along. Their bond was so strong, they understood each other without words. That’s why, during the race, Evan would stop when Nova needed rest. She’d curl up and nap—sometimes for an hour. When she woke up, he’d check in: “Still good?” She always was.
“But isn’t it dangerous?”
Fair question—especially now, when it’s easy to get buried under other people’s opinions. Evan knew he’d get pushback. But he also knew—and proved—how deeply he respected Nova.
To keep her safe, she wore a GPS collar the entire race. She ate, drank, and stuck by his side the whole time, both of them driven by something bigger than just finishing.
As a relationship
Evan and Nova’s story is rare. Most of us won’t run 125 kilometers, let alone with a dog. But that’s not the point. If you’ve ever run with a dog, you know—it’s not about speed or distance. It’s about trust.
It’s glances, shared silences, unspoken cues. It’s knowing that when you look back, those eyes are right there, locked on your stride.
In the end, it’s never just a race
Whether you’re out there to shake off a bad day, feel more alive, or just stretch your legs—when you run with a dog, everything shifts. Fatigue becomes fun. The trail becomes a game. The finish line? Not that important. Evan said time didn’t matter. What mattered was the moment—because Nova can’t do another race like that. Physically, she’s done with that kind of distance.
But maybe that’s the takeaway: the run is just an excuse. What really counts is who’s beside you.
A few tips if you want to run with your dog
If you’re wondering if you too can run with your dog, the answer is: probably yes, but take your time. Here are some helpful tips:
- Talk to your vet first: not all dogs are meant to run, and not all can do it the same way. The endurance of dogs varies from breed to breed but I noticed that mine – a half size – can’t handle more than one run a week. That is: if it were up to him he would run every day but by the second or third outing he gets fatigued sooner.
- Start slow: a few miles, easy pace. Don’t expect him to follow you right away in a full workout. Above all: listen to the dog, observe his reactions. Dogs are very direct in expressing discomfort or fatigue. If they can’t take it anymore they just stop. If your dog does, all you have to do is wait for him to rest and then resume, perhaps with a leisurely walk.
- Use the right equipment: comfortable harness, hands-free leash if possible.
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Mind their paws: choose soft trails, avoid hot asphalt. If you can, choose quiet paths and along roads with little traffic with grass along the side. You will see that your dog naturally tends to prefer soft ground to asphalt (remember that no has shoes!).
- Hydration always, even for him/her. If you don’t want to carry two water bottles with you, choose routes where there are drinking fountains.