Dion Leonard on Running Ultra Marathons and Meeting Gobi the Chinese Stray Desert Dog

Dion Leonard on Running Ultra Marathons and Meeting Gobi the Chinese Stray Desert Dog

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Ultra marathon runner met a stray dog halfway across China’s Gobi desert, and it changed his life. Here he talks to Cheryl Akle about ‘Gobi’ and the book he wrote about her.

About the author:

Dion 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. Dion has numerous top 10 finishes in some of the toughest races on the planet. 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.

Dion 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.

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                      Publisher details

                      Finding Gobi
                      Author
                      Dion Leonard
                      Publisher
                      HarperCollins
                      Released
                      01 June, 2017
                      ISBN
                      9780008248314

                      Synopsis

                      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. 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 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. 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. 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.Finding Gobi is the ultimate story of hope, of resilience and of friendship, proving once again, that dogs really are ‘man’s best friend.’About the AuthorDion Leonard is a 41 year old Australian who lives in Edinburgh, Scotland with his wife Lucja. Dion has not only completed but competed in some of the world's toughest ultra marathons across the planet's most inhospitable landscapes. This includes running across the brutal Moroccan Sahara desert twice in the 250km Marathon Des Sables and also twice across South Africa's Kalahari Desert, also 250km. br Dion's latest 250km race across the Gobi Desert in China turned out to be a completely different race where he fell in love with a stray dog (later named Gobi) that followed him during the week and who would change both of their lives forever.
                      Dion Leonard
                      About the author

                      Dion Leonard

                      Dion Leonard is a 41 year old Australian who lives in Edinburgh, Scotland with his wife Lucja. Dion has not only completed but competed in some of the world's toughest ultra marathons across the planet's most inhospitable landscapes. This includes running across the brutal Moroccan Sahara desert twice in the 250km Marathon Des Sables and also twice across South Africa's Kalahari Desert, also 250km. br Dion's latest 250km race across the Gobi Desert in China turned out to be a completely different race where he fell in love with a stray dog (later named Gobi) that followed him during the week and who would change both of their lives forever.

                      Books by Dion Leonard

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                      1. Meloki says:

                        Dion Leonard is an accomplished ultra runner from Australia and Britain. He has participated in challenging races worldwide, covering distances ranging from 30 to over 200 miles. Dion has achieved several top 10 finishes in some of the most demanding events on Earth. He is also the author of the internationally bestselling book, “Finding kmartfeedback Gobi.” This captivating story recounts his incredible encounter with Gobi, a stray desert dog from China, during one of his marathons. “Finding Gobi” has been recognized as a New York Times Bestseller, Sunday Times Bestseller, and has reached the Top 10 lists in Canada for 14 weeks, as well as in Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.