Marathoner runs 19 miles with lost puppy after rescuing him mid-race

After completing the Chombueng Marathon in Thailand, runner Khemjira Klongsanun came home with a shiny medal and something extra: a new puppy.

While running the marathon in January, Klongsanun noticed that other competitors were trying not to step on a scared puppy. She stopped and picked him up. Looking around, Klongsanun saw that there were no houses nearby, and figured he was lost or abandoned. She didn't want to leave him there all alone, so she just started running with him in her arms. "Running almost 20 miles carrying [a] dog was truly a challenge," she told reporters. "It was two times tiring than a normal marathon, but I did it anyway just because he is adorable."

Since no one came forward to claim the puppy, Klongsanun adopted him and named him Chombueng, after the marathon. He's already had a checkup and received his vaccinations, and while it may take a bit of time to get used to life with his new owner and two other dogs, "Chombueng is a very smart boy," Klongsanun said. "I'm sure he is going to be happy living with us." Catherine Garcia

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