Stray Dog Joins Couple on 15km Run, Wins Hearts and a New Home

Araçatuba Couple's 15km Run Interrupted by Unexpected Canine Companion Araçatuba, SP – A heartwarming story unfolds from Araçatuba, São Paulo, where a local couple's morning jog took an unexpected turn. Maitê Martins, a 23-year-old nutrition student, and her boyfriend, Angel Gabriel, 22, were surprised to find a stray dog joining their 15-kilometer run on Sunday, May 11th. The persistent canine companion followed them the entire distance, a testament to its hunger and perhaps a touch of companionship. "Eita, como corre!" exclaimed Maitê, describing the dog's remarkable pace. The video, posted on social media, quickly went viral, accumulating over a million views. The couple, who are training for the Florianópolis International Marathon, initially named the dog Lancelot, but its impressive stamina led them to rename it Kipchoge, after the famous Kenyan long-distance runner. The unexpected event has created a dilemma for Maitê: "Se for para Kipchoge ser meu, vai ser." she told the g1, expressing her fondness for the dog. The couple is now deciding whether to find a permanent home for Kipchoge or add him to their existing family of two dogs. The story highlights the unexpected connections we can make and the positive impact of kindness toward animals.