After placing 5th in the 2008 Iams Doggy Dash, Bean was involved in a very public dispute with her running partner Kurt, calling him out in the press. The motivation worked in 2009 as the duo reached the podiums, finishing in 3rd place out of a very fast field. This year, the four-year old Boston Terrier will stop at nothing to move up the rankings and take the top prize, even if it means taking out a full-page ad in the NY Times to further motivate her teammate.

Although Brecken is the youngest and smallest dog in this year’s field, you’d be unwise to count him out. The one-year old Jack Russell Terrier has been running 10-15 miles a week since he was just a few months old. When not helping to socialize other pooches at the Fitdog Sports Club, Brecken spends the bulk of his time training, hoping that he and owner Brandy can prove the old adage that the size of the fight in the dog is more important than the size of the dog in the fight. We’ll all find out if it’s true this July.

Last summer Blue learned what it felt like to have victory snatched from his teeth, only to be served a cold bowl of bitter defeat. The six-year old Black Lab and owner Bryan were leading the 2009 Iams Doggy Dash with just 800 meters to go, only to be overtaken by Beowulf, the eventual champion. This year, Blue will be joined by Bryan’s girlfriend Lindsey—a combination both parties hope will result in a trip to the top of the podiums in 2010. 

Throughout his five years on the planet, Goodwin has been exposed to his share of athletics, being raised by two competitive runners. But up until now, the Lab Retriever has worked out mostly for fun and fitness rather than having a specific goal in mind. No more. Goodwin is now taking control of the leash and commanding more than mere “recovery runs” from owners Susan and Young. We’ll find out this July if all of the hard pays off in a trip to the Doggy Dash hall of champions.

Don’t let his name fool you—Guinness is not ONLY about partaking of the finer things in life. He’s also an avid runner and finely tuned athlete. This three-year old Airedale terrier is a strong believer of self-sacrifice and he’ll be  practicing what he preaches this summer. He’s vowed to give up the good stuff for the month leading up to the race, just as long as owner James has a frosty glass (or two) waiting at the finish line.

After finishing just off the podiums in 2008, Josie has been the focus of a veritable media maelstrom amid reports of a possible return to NYC in 2009. Nevertheless, the 5-year old golden retriever has remained grounded, dedicated to her civic responsibilities: volunteering at the local animal hospital (pictured) and spreading the good word on her blog. But, don't mistake Josie's efforts for a lack of focus; she and owner Jeff fully intend to prove the attention is well deserved with a Doggy Dash victory in July.
 

The overwhelming fan favorite in this year’s field, Nemo may be much more well-known for his civic service work, than for his athletic prowess. True, the four-year old Sheltie’s natural milieu may be the library or the children’s wing of the local hospital, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the grit and determination necessary to take home the coveted Red Fire Hydrant. Nemo and owner JoAnna have been engaged in both agility and distance training with the goal of showing NY what the heart of a true champion looks like.

If you’re struggling up Central park’s Harlem Hills and hear someone urging you on from behind, don’t be surprised if it’s Sadie, one of the friendliest dogs you’ll ever come across. This four-year old Chocolate Lab has made friends all over New York City and hopes to meet a few new ones this July. However, don’t take her geniality for weakness—she and owner John are completely committed to topping the podiums this year. Of course, she’ll be waiting at the finish line to congratulate all of the dogs that finished behind her.

After cheering his owner Carrie in her third straight Nautica NYC Triathlon last summer, Bentley decided it was time to join the party. Although new to the dog racing circuit, this two-year old Yorkshire Terrier has already caused quite a stir by publicly declaring himself a bigger star than race veteran Bean. We’ll see who the true celebridog is this summer at the Iams Doggy Dash finish line.

The first two Iams Doggy Dashes were marked by drastically different conditions: one year was hot and humid, the other was cool and rainy. Luckily Carbon is built to compete in whatever Mother Nature can dish out. This 4-year old Australian Shepherd is a 10k specialist, but along with owner Nicky, is prepared to dominate the Doggy Dash 5 miler in style--no matter the weather!

Hailing from Queens, New York, Pinky comes into the Iams Doggy Dash with experience racing and training on varied surfaces. The two-year old Pit Bull Terrier and her owner Adam broke onto the racing scene at April's Leatherman's Loop 10k and will take their skills to Central Park in July. Pinky thinks the Doggy Dash will be a walk in the park!

Another local favorite, Duchess will be competing in very familiar territory this July. Having spent her young life training in Central Park, the three-year old German Shorthaired Pointer is poised to defend her turf with her owner John. Duchess is a podium hopeful, just as long as she can stay focused on the race and not on the wildlife of Central Park. 

Unstoppable: that's what Eli Palmer is. Rather, that's what this three-year old black lab is looking to prove this summer alongside owner and longtime training partner Jessica. No more will this pooch put in the long hours of training only to sit on the sidelines come race day. This July, Eli will take on the starting--and hopefully starring--role at the Iams Doggy Dash.

Although she would love to experience the glory of victory, Skyler is racing in 2010 to promote a completely different agenda. The 9-year old Shepherd and her owner Pamela are competing in the Iams Doggy Dash to promote the sport of dog running as a way to be both safe and healthy. After finishing 11th last year, the duo is set to improve on that mark before heading to Washington to lobby congress for increased funding for human-dog running races!

Some dogs train for the Iams Doggy Dash by putting in countless hours at the gym simply getting huge; not Rusty. This two-year old Irish Terrier takes a more cerebral approach, seeking to find that delicate balance between himself and nature, before taking on the race course. Rusty and his owner Tracy hope that this zen-like approach results in victory this summer!

Ever since registering for the 2010 Doggy Dash, Mikey has barely slept a wink--staying up late and strategizing for the big race. This 3-year old Yorkie and owner Dustin plan to bring their "A" game and defeat not only the other Yorkie in the race, but every other dog as well. Don't worry fellow competitors, if you struggle on the run, Mikey the rescue dog will surely help you out--that is, unless he's already passed you by en route to the finish!

How many dogs in this race have their name on a first place trophy? Whatever the number is, it just increased by one with the addition of Eli G. The 2-year old Poodle won a 5k last year alongside owner Anthony. The two have trained for multiple marathons together but somehow only Anthony ends up racing. Not this year! This is a pair that can't be stopped in 2010.