Maryland Half Marathon Honors Last Year's Dogged Hero

Organizers of the Maryland Half Marathon are honoring an unlikely hero from last year's race.

There will be an eight-mile leg, called Dozer's Dash, dedicated to the dog that accidentally joined the race in 2011 and ended up earning $25,000 for cancer research.

The cruising canine made headlines last year when he broke through the electric fence at his owner's Fulton home and joined the pack of runners who had been passing by, as ABC News reported.

"When Dozer surprised runners last year at mile five and finished the race, muddy paws and all, we never could have imagined that almost one year later he would have touched so many hearts," said Michael Greenebaum, race co-chair.

The race begins at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 6 at the Maple Lawn Community in Fulton. All runners registered for the half marathon will automatically be entered into Dozer's Dash, and the best male and female times will be awarded "Top Dog."

"Dozer’s Dash is a fun new element we decided to inject into this year's race to keep things fresh and interesting for runners, while paying tribute to Dozer, the goldendoodle, at the same time," said Jon Sevel, race co-chair.

Dozer the goldendoodle–a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle–will not be participating in this year's event, but his family will make sure he's present for fans to come and pat on the head, according to race organizers.

Dozer's fans can also begin donating online at the Maryland Half Marathon website. Fundraisers who donate more than $50 will be given a plush stuffed toy Dozer.