Skip to main content

Here’s how many marathons a chihuahua finished…yes, you read that right

If you need a funny and positive story to perk up your day or motivate you to go for a run, this is it.

chihuahua ran marathon crossed finish line 2
Jellybean Instagram / jellybean 26.2

You can imagine animals like zebras and antelope running long distances across vast areas of land, but a chihuahua running a marathon is a whole different story. If you need a funny and positive story to perk up your day, this is it. While other pampered pooches snuggle into their beds in the comfort of home, one fierce and athletic little chihuahua just keeps crossing that finish line. So, how many marathons did the dedicated Jellybean finish? 

Crossing the finish line

chihuahua jellybean ran marathon crossed finish line
Jellybean Instagram / jellybean 26.2

9-lb Jellybean is an energetic six-year-old chihuahua mix who has successfully completed six marathons, and now, she’s trying to break her running record in 2025. A full marathon is 26.2 miles, which is an impressive distance for a chihuahua. As Jellybean’s owner reminds us, potential isn’t defined by appearances; it’s about heart, determination, and putting the work in. 

Recommended Videos

In California, Jellybean has made a name for herself running alongside her owner, Andrew Owens, who wants her to make it in the record books for a half marathon as well as a marathon. After adopting Jellybean in 2020, it took some time for the little dog to settle in, but once she got a taste, she was quite literally off to the races. 

The fastest-recorded marathon time

Jeallybean the chihuahua ran marathon
Jellybean Instagram / jellybean 26.2

Andrew Owens shares that his and Jellybean’s fastest marathon time so far was 3 hours and 47 minutes at the Garmin Kansas City Marathon last year. Their fast finishing time speaks to their dedication and training, including 2-1 interval training.

One paw at a time

human hand holding dog paw
Blue Bird / Pexels

Andrew Owens said he started out slowly with shorter runs. They ran a half mile, and she was still running around at home, so he knew she was ready for more. Now, they train every weekend together, often training 20-30 miles in one weekend. They also frequently go hiking together in the great outdoors. Jellybean challenges stereotypes and we can take advice from this little chihuahua about not giving up and starting out slowly as a beginner until we’re ready to cross the finish line. 

Topics
Steph Green
Steph Green is a content writer specializing in healthcare, wellness, and nutrition. With over ten years of experience, she…
How many minutes should you rest between bench press sets? Researchers find out
Are you resting for too long or too little? Does rest time impact your bench press gains?
men bench press spotter gym

The classic bench press is a timeless weightlifting exercise and a favorite of many powerlifters. This popular move works your pecs in your chest, deltoids in your shoulders, triceps and biceps in your arms, and more. People lift varying weights and rest for different amounts of time. Some people strictly rest for one or two minutes, while others rest for a few more. How many minutes should you rest between bench press sets to maximize gains? Recently, researchers decided to find out. 
The study

In a study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, researchers recruited 23 physically active men and women. They divided the participants into three groups and instructed each group to rest for differing durations between sets on the Smith machine bench press. 

Read more
How long do you have to take creatine to boost muscle power? Here’s the research
Does it take months of supplementing to feel stronger?
man muscular holding barbell

Research shows us how targeted resistance training helps build muscle size and power. Just like protein and weightlifting, creatine is also widely talked about in powerlifter circles and among gym enthusiasts. 

Studies highlight how creatine supplementation can increase muscle mass, but how long do you have to take it to see results? Does it take months of supplementing to feel stronger? Of course, the exact time varies depending on the individual, but an interesting study shows it could be less time than you think. 
How long does it take to work?

Read more
How much protein is in steak? Here’s a breakdown of how much you’re getting
Steak and protein: How much you’re actually getting
Steak on a cutting board

Steak has long been deemed an excellent protein-packed food, loved by fitness enthusiasts, unabashed carnivores, and anyone who enjoys a hearty, satisfying meal. But how much protein does steak actually contain? And how does it compare to other protein sources? In reality, how much protein in steak or any other food source for protein depends on various factors, such as the portion size.

If you're looking to get the most out of your steak—whether to build muscle, begin a high-protein diet, or simply to make informed nutritional choices—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about steak and its protein content.
How much protein is in a serving of steak?

Read more