This was the start of a journey neither of them would ever forget with a roller coaster ride of drama, grief, heartbreak, joy and love that changed their lives forever. Although Dion did not finish first, he felt he had won something far greater and promised to bring Gobi back to the UK for good to become a new addition to his family. In the past he had always focused on winning and being the best, but his goal now was simply to make sure that his new friend was safe, nourished and hydrated. The lovable pup, who earned the name ‘Gobi’, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart, as she went step for step with Dion over the treacherous Tian Shan Mountains, managing to keep pace with him for nearly 80 miles.As Dion witnessed the incredible determination of this small animal, he felt something change within himself. In 2016, Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultramarathon runner, unexpectedly stumbled across a little stray dog while competing in a gruelling 155 mile race across the Gobi Desert. Listen on iTunes || Listen on Stitcher for Android He wrote Finding Gobi, the International Bestselling book (New York Times Bestseller, Sunday Times Bestseller, Top 10 Canada x 14 weeks, Top 10 Italy, Australia and New Zealand ) about the amazing true story of meeting Gobi the Chinese stray desert dog during one of his marathons.ĭion is also a highly regarded and accomplished motivational speaker who has guest spoken with the likes of Prince Edward, President of Slovenia, TEDx and at numerous corporate, fund-raising, charity and evening functions. Dion has numerous top 10 finishes in some of the toughest races on the planet. About the author:ĭion Leonard is an Australian/British ultra runner who competes around the globe in ultra running events ranging from 30 miles to over 200 miles in some of the most extreme conditions known to man. Here he talks to Cheryl Akle about ‘Gobi’ and the book he wrote about her. Ultra marathon runner met a stray dog halfway across China’s Gobi desert, and it changed his life.

Gobi desert ultra marathon