GILLIGAN is set to complete his 30-day run streak this Friday.
Dr. Ron Snyder and his dog Gilligan pose for a photo after completing the 8K distance of Run Saipan’s first Saipan International Airport Trail Run on Nov. 12, 2022.
A boonie dog, Gilligan was left at Saipan International School and was adopted by Kim Church and Dr. Ron Snyder, an avid runner and SIS headmaster.
The five-year-old dog has been running with Snyder for several years now.
He said Gilligan enjoys distances up to five kilometers, but it is hard for him after that.
Thanks to Run Saipan, Gilligan has had a chance to run in many races around the island, Snyder said, adding that the dog’s favorite run is the Banzai to Cowtown trail.
This Friday, Gilligan will complete his 30-day run streak but he plans to aim for a one-year run streak as well, Snyder added.
Recently, Gilligan participated in the three-day Run Saipan Trinity event.
“The Trinity was very hard,” Snyder said. “Twenty kilometers over three days is very tough and Gilligan is just getting over ehrlichiosis so he is not really at 100%.”
Most people “hated” the second leg up Mt. Tapachao, but Gilligan really liked that one, Snyder said.
It is healthy for dogs to participate in runs, but they must be handled with care, he added.
“I think that dogs and prams are an excellent addition to our race life here on Saipan. But it has to be done in a safe way,” he reiterated.
When participating in running events, he and Gilligan always start at the back of the pack and allow the field to thin out before passing anyone.
“This keeps others safe from getting caught in the leash and also helps make sure no one trips over him in the beginning,” Snyder said.
“The important thing is that the dog has to be comfortable around crowds of people and is well-behaved so as not to cause anyone problems. Also, not every race is good for dogs since there may be traffic considerations that make it unsafe,” he added.
“If a person thinks they are unable to take on a 5K distance, let alone a three-day event, just remember that if Gilligan, a dog, can do it, you can do it too!”
Gilligan wears his medal after completing the Run Saipan Grotto 10K race on Aug. 20, 2022.
