The now veteran long distance competitor has completed eight half marathons along with her three full marathons and holds a host of records for her epic adventures with Mark.

Constantly full of energy, Ty is the only dog in Australia running for the RSPCA. She always runs as a separate competitor with her own bib number, and she completed the Newcastle marathon in a time of 4.39.27. 

Ty’s exuberance almost led to disaster in the lead-up to the race, with Mark badly spraining his left ankle while training on March 24. 

“Ty is a very powerful runner and she often pulls me off balance; this day she did a great job of it,” Mark said. 

Two women came to Mark’s assistance after recognising Ty and then spotting Mark laying in the gutter. 

“The foot was swollen and bruised, but I managed to hobble Sunday’s marathon,” Mark said. 

Next month, Ty and Mark (at right) will be in action again in the half Sydney Morning Herald half marathon before taking on another big race, the Westlink M7 Cities Marathon in Sydney in July.