Perth woman to run Loch Ness marathon for greyhounds

Oct 2 2009 by Katy Gordon, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A PERTH dog lover is preparing to run a marathon for greyhounds.

Lea Cowan (33), who works for dog walking firm Walkies, has been training for the last four months in preparation for the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon on Sunday.

She explained: “I am running the marathon for the Greyhound Awareness League Scotland (GAL). It is a small charity that re-homes ex-racing dogs.

“More and more we are seeing in the news these animals dumped because they have reached the end of their racing careers – and that’s only when they are four.”

Lea herself has a dog from GAL, her beloved pet Morse, who she initially fostered.

“Greyhounds make loving and loyal family pets and, perhaps surprisingly, do not need too much exercise – they love to sleep and are not called 40mph couch potatoes for nothing.

“Greyhounds have wonderful temperaments and my own dog Morse was a registered Pets As Therapy dog for a number of years – he’s retired from that too now.”

As for her training, Lea has been gradually increasing the distance of her runs and has made it up to 20 miles in advance of the race.

But running marathons isn’t a new experience for the dog walker. Last year she ran the Edinburgh Marathon, but is looking for a different challenge this year.

“I am looking for a change of scenery. I’m not a competitive runner, so I didn’t want to get caught up in trying to beat my time last year.

“I am getting very nervous, but my partner will be there cheering me on.”

And Lea knows that people might not be in a great position to help her reach her £500 fundraising target, but are willing to give what they can.

“I know that people are feeling the pinch right now, but so many people have given me lots of support.”

The marathon route goes along the south eastern edge of the loch before finishing up in Inverness city centre.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Lea can go to her donations website at http://www.justgiving.com/Lea-Cowan/