Yep, you read it correctly. http://www.kens5.com/story/life/2016/01/25/dog-runs-half-marathon-accident-places-7th/79296778/
It's blood hounds that started the joke about how many dogs would die if a southern porch collapsed (however that joke goes...), so yeah, they are most noted for lying in the shade or on the living room floor, not running. He should get a steak.