Australian ultramarathoner, ‘Finding Gobi’ author visits Bend with his 4-legged running partner

(Update: adding comment from Dion Leonard)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- An Australian-British ultra runner, known for competing in races from 100 miles to 240 miles in the world's most extreme conditions is visitng Bend. Dion Leonard is promoting his international best-selling book 'Finding Gobi,' which details his story of companionship with a stray dog who joined him while competing in a 155 mile race through the Gobi Desert in China.

Leonard and Gobi have traveled around the nation and world promoting the main book and children's book. They'll be at the Bend Library Saturday to promote the children's picture book.

"It's through her voice. So it's a really sweet picture book," Leonard said about the children's version of 'Finding Gobi.' "We have some real fun with that, sharing not only the book, but some fun videos about Gobi's adventures since she left the desert as well. And of course, the children get to meet Gobi as well."

They'll return to the Bend Library on Sunday to promote the best selling chapter book.

"Little did I know where the race would actually take me," Leonard said. "When I meet Gobi and decide winning isn't everything, I can start looking after this dog throughout the race as well, so it's a real sort of personal journey that i share with everyone."

Gobi trekked side by side with Dion for nearly 80 miles over the Tian Shan Mountains, across massive sand dunes and through yurt villages, among other landscapes. 

"Little did I know, meeting this dog would change things forever," Leonard said.   

Folks will have the chance to meet both Gobi and Leonard Saturday at 11a.m, for the children's book read, while the main edition book read will happen Sunday at 2 p.m.