Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall Team Up with IAMS to Give Your Dog a Marathon of Their Own on the Strava App

Whether they are training to compete on the world stage or fitting movement into their everyday schedule, gold medalists Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall know that success is about more than crossing the finish line. It is built through early mornings, recovery days, and the motivation to keep showing up. Their dogs, Milo and Winnie, are often right there beside them. Now, those loyal training partners have a finish line of their own to cross.

Tara and Hunter are partnering with IAMS and Strava to give dogs a chance to reach a major milestone of their own through the IAMS Dog Run Marathon. The month-long virtual challenge invites dog owners to walk, jog, or run a total of 26.2 miles with their pups throughout September using the Strava app.

As dogs work toward their 26.2-mile goal, proper nutrition can help support them through every walk, jog and run. IAMS High Protein Dog Food is made with real chicken and beef, with 80 percent of its protein coming from animal sources,* to help support strong muscles, healthy energy and whole-body health.

We caught up with Tara and Hunter to talk about life with Milo and Winnie, how their dogs fit into their active lifestyle and why they want pet parents everywhere to join the challenge.

What roles do Milo and Winnie play in your lives and training routines?

Tara: They are our best friends and always the most excited to see us come home. They fit our vibe and are the best shadows for me and Hunter. Whatever we’re doing, they want to be doing the same thing – whether it’s playing outside, doing recovery, or just relaxing on the couch.

As professional athletes, what have your dogs taught you about staying active and enjoying the journey?

Hunter: It can be easy to get caught up in what’s coming up or the pressure of a big competition, but our dogs remind us that life can also be fun and easy as well. When we’re playing with them or going on runs and walks, they just enjoy it. They have no expectations. They’re just enjoying being able to get active.

What made you excited to partner with IAMS and Strava for the IAMS Dog Run Marathon?

Tara and Hunter: Our dogs are part of so many moments in our lives, so we loved the idea of creating a challenge that puts dogs at the center of the experience. They are often the ones beside us for everyday moments and workouts, but they do not get to join us on competition day. The IAMS Dog Run Marathon gives dogs a chance to cross their own finish line.

How does the IAMS Dog Run Marathon work?

Tara and Hunter: Dog owners can join the challenge through the Strava app and log a total of 26.2 miles with their dog from September 1 through September 30. The miles can be completed through walks, jogs or runs, so it is designed to be approachable for different routines and activity levels. Participants track their activities using Strava’s Pet Tag feature, and daily mileage is capped at 5K, or 3.1 miles, to help prioritize dogs’ safety.**

Why is proper nutrition so important for active dogs like Milo and Winnie?

Tara: Just as nutrition plays a major role in how Hunter and I can recover and continue to get stronger, the same is true for our Milo and Winne. And just like us, our dogs also have a high-protein diet!

What would you say to someone who wants to participate but does not consider themselves a runner?

Hunter: You do not even have to be a runner at all to take part. The challenge is about completing the distance together over the course of the month. Daily walks, weekend adventures, and short jogs can all count toward the 26.2-mile goal. It is about finding a pace that works for you and your dog and enjoying that time together.

Celebrating Four-Legged Finishers

The celebration continues beyond the virtual finish line. One randomly selected grand-prize winner will have their dog crowned the first-ever official IAMS four-legged marathon champion and receive a $10,000 training bonus, 26 bags of IAMS High Protein Dog Food, a custom medal and the chance to have their dog’s face featured on a running shirt worn by Tara and Hunter. Twenty-six randomly selected finishers will also receive a VIP, or Very Important Pup, prize package featuring exclusive IAMS running gear and 26 bags of IAMS High Protein Dog Food.

Ready to get moving? Open the Strava app to join the IAMS Dog Run Marathon and visit iamsdogrunmarathon.com for complete challenge and giveaway details.

*Approximate and derived from an unprocessed state of ingredients.

**Always tailor exercise to your dog’s age, breed, health condition and fitness level. Consult your veterinarian with questions about whether participation is appropriate for your dog.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Full terms and conditions can be found at iamsdogrunmarathon.com.