Evan Birch, a Calgary-based ultrarunner, and his seven-year-old Hungarian Vizsla, Nova, are making a name for themselves in the world of ultra-distance running. For the past three years, Birch has sought out adventures that push the limits, but this year’s challenge was particularly special: running 100 miles at the Orcas Island 100 in Olga, Washington, with Nova by his side.
Though they didn’t complete the full 100-mile race, Birch and Nova achieved an extraordinary 75 miles before the cutoff, an accomplishment Birch describes as “surreal.” “This was born out of the desire to adventure with Nova into the unknown,” Birch shared. “From bringing her home after two back-to-back 14-hour days to now attempting 100 miles and completing 75 is a beautiful success.”
Training for the Ultimate Adventure
While Birch is no stranger to ultra distances, having completed races of 100, 200, and even 300 miles, running alongside a dog presented unique challenges. Nova had been training for years to handle long-distance runs, but her well-being remained Birch’s top priority. Before the race, Birch highlighted the importance of ensuring Nova was properly cared for. “This will be the story of Nova the 100-mile dog. We are her ‘Kahu’—her guardians—and her well-being is always first,” he wrote on Instagram.
Birch emphasized that teamwork played a key role in their success. “Nothing prepared me for what I would experience with Nova,” he said. “Ensuring we were both fed, watered, and rested was essential. Sharing this journey with her was the highlight of it all.”
Endurance and Nutrition: A New Approach for Ultrarunning Dogs
Over the past six years, Nova has gradually built her endurance and ability to navigate technical terrains, but preparing for 100 miles required a fresh approach to training and nutrition. Birch credits a conversation with a friend’s father, who owns a sled dog company, for offering insights that helped them prepare. They focused on smaller, more frequent meals, bone broth in water, and proper rest after every 25-mile loop.
Nova’s diet consists of raw turkey, beef, fruits, and vegetables, which Birch believes contributed to her strength and stamina throughout the event.
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