Man Addresses Viral Video of Dog Biting Him at Mile 21 During Marathon (Exclusive)

NEED TO KNOW

• Chris Herbs, a 32-year-old marathon runner, experienced difficulties during the Maine Coast Marathon, including nausea and blisters.

• At mile 21, while attempting to greet friends, he encountered a leashed dog that jumped on him, briefly causing him to stumble.

• A video of this encounter later went viral, garnering over 10 million views on TikTok.

During the marathon, Herbs had been feeling unwell and had suffered blisters, but tried to remain positive. After interacting with loved ones along the route, he inadvertently squeezed past an onlooker with a dog. The dog jumped and nipped at him, causing a stumble but no injury. Later, both Herbs and his girlfriend found humor in the incident when they watched a video of it online.

Despite the initial lighthearted comments, some online reacted negatively towards the dog’s owner. Herbs clarified that the incident was not serious and encouraged a more relaxed perspective among viewers. Following the viral video, he reported an increase in inquiries about his physical therapy and coaching services.

• Why it matters: The incident highlights the unpredictability of public events like marathons and the potential consequences of pet presence in crowded areas.
• Herbs’ experience emphasizes the importance of leveraging social media platforms for engagement and business promotion.

• The latest: Following the viral video, Herbs has reported a surge in interest in his physical therapy services, attributed to the comedic nature of the encounter.