Finding Gobi - Media and Press Features
The story of Finding Gobi has received unprecedented coverage on news and television programs to print and digital media all around the world.
Check out the video below to see previous media coverage of Dion and Gobi
Current News - 2024
KESQ 'Eye on the Desert' with Patrick Evans
March 27th 2025
New York Times bestselling author Dion Leonard and his dog Gobi joined Palm Desert library director Gary Shaffer on channel KESQ Palm Springs with the host Patrick Evans to discuss Finding Gobi and the Palm Desert library events.
Saturday March 29th 2025 - 10:30am
Children's Event: https://tinyurl.com/PDLFCPIC
Saturday March 29th 2025 - 3:30pm
Main Event:
https://tinyurl.com/PDLFGMAIN
One Book, One Community
March 26th 2025
This year, the Palm Desert Library, at 73300 Fred Waring Drive, in Palm Desert, is inviting everyone to read Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard as part of its “One Book—One Palm Desert” initiative. The book tells the tale of an ultramarathon runner who crosses paths with a stray dog while competing in a 155-mile race through the Gobi Desert.
Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/CVNewsFG
Palm Desert Library Hosts "Finding Gobi" Series
March 25th 2025
It's often said that animals have the power to change people and their hearts. Well, thats what happened to ultra marathon Runner Dion Leonard in 2016 when he was competing in a gruelling 155 Mile race across the Gobi Desert in China. Dion Leonard and Gobi joined NBC Palm Springs Mary Strong to share more of the New York Times Bestseller 'Finding Gobi'.
Read more at:
https://tinyurl.com/PalmDesertFG
Gobi, the dog, captured an ultramarathoner's heart during a 125 km race and was adopted
March 11 2025
During an ultramarathon in the arid Gobi Desert, something unexpected occurred with runner Dion Leonard. A stray dog began following him through the gruelling race and the two formed an unbreakable bond and connection. Read more at:
Internet celebrity Ray William Johnson presents the story of Dion and Gobi
January 30th 2025
The tale of Finding Gobi has been featured in media outlets across the globe, but none have presented it quite like comedian and internet sensation Ray William Johnson. He brings a unique blend of humor and comic book flair to the story of Dion and Gobi in his coverage
Dog Joins Ultramarathon and Runs Her Way Into a Loving Family’s Heart
January 28th 2025
Dogs are universally celebrated for their unwavering loyalty, sharp intelligence, and remarkable instincts for survival. One dog in particular, Gobi perhaps has this more than any other dog in history. This was proven as she joined an experienced ultramarathon runner, Dion Leonard who was racing 155 miles across the Gobi Desert in China. Read more at:
‘Finding Gobi’ – the touching story of an ultramarathon runner and his unexpected forever friend
November 25th 2024
Lynsey Harris sits down with New York Times bestseller Finding Gobi author Dion Leonard to hear the unlikely story of finding man's best friend in the Gobi Desert. Read more at:
‘Finding Gobi’: More on the incredible true story, Monday on Community Conversations
November 23rd 2024
KTVZ Lynsey Harris had ultra marathon runner Dion Leonard and his furry companion Gobi in studio Friday for Monday's Community Conversations. Make sure to tune in to NewsChannel 21 on Monday for more on the books and the story you've got to hear to believe.
‘We’re going to be friends forever’: Ultra-marathon runner finds dog in the Gobi desert, tells story at downtown Bend Library
November 23rd 2024
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- At the downtown Bend Library Saturday, children were treated to a story, about a courageous and arduous journey, of a dog named Gobi. Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/FGKidsBend
‘Finding Gobi’ author visits Bend with his 4-legged running partner
November 21st 2024
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. Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/FGKTVZ
‘Finding Gobi’ author to speak at Mac Library
November 12th 2024
The author and star of the book “Finding Gobi,” about a dog that follows a runner through the Gobi Desert, will speak Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 12-13, at the McMinnville Public Library.
Dion Leonard was running a 155-mile ultra marathon race across the desert when he was joined by the stray dog. They became companions.
Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/YCNRFG
Stray Dog Runs 80 Miles With Athlete In Chinese Desert, Finds A New Home
October 16th 2024
Imagine running a 155-mile race across the harsh, unforgiving landscape of the Gobi Desert. Out of nowhere, a small stray dog appears and chooses to run by your side. That’s exactly what happened to Dion Leonard, a marathon runner, during one of the toughest races of his life. The bond that formed between him and the little dog named Gobi was instant, but what happened next was beyond anything Dion could have expected.
Read more at:
https://www.boredpanda.com/man-adopts-stray-dog-during-race-finding-gobi-dion-leonard/
Athlete Adopts the Stray Dog Who Ran 80 Miles of an 155 Mile Race With Him in China
October 4th 2024
When ultra marathon athlete Dion Leonard was running a 155 mile race in China he noticed that a small dog was doing her best to keep up with him and keep him company. When he retired to his tent at night, the dog would cuddle up with him. This was the start of a bond and connection that whilst tested would never be broken. Read more at:
https://laughingsquid.com/man-adopts-stray-dog-during-race/
Finding Gobi finds itself at Mountlake Terrace Library
September 30th 2024
Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultra marathon runner who has run races all around the world is heading to Mountlake Terrace Library, WA with his adorable dog Gobi to share the true story and amazing journey of Finding Gobi. Read more at:https://mltnews.com/hear-the-story-of-finding-gobi-with-author-dion-leonard-at-mountlake-terrace-library-oct-24/
GeoBeats gets to know Dion and Gobi
September 29th 2024
GeoBeats interviews Dion Leonard about the story of Finding Gobi. Watch the interview and hear all about the amazing true story and incredible journey of Dion and Gobi.
Find 'Gobi' At The Library
September 12th 2024
The Neill Public Library is hosting NY Times Bestselling Author Dion Leonard and his dog Gobi for a family free event on September 18th at 6:30pm. The story of Finding Gobi has touched hearts and inspired people all around the world with the story of Dion meeting Gobi in the Gobi Desert, China in one of the world's toughest ultra marathon races. Read more at: https://www.wcgazette.com/story/2024/09/12/people/find-gobi-at-the-library/42052
ABC News Catches Up With Dion and Gobi
July 18th 2024
Ultramarathon runner Dion Leonard first met his dog Gobi by chance while running in China, and the two have been virtually inseparable ever since. ABC News Danny New aka Mr Positivity interviews them on ABC.
Inside Edition interviews Dion Leonard and his story of Finding Gobi
July 15th 2024
Watch the video of Dion Leonard being interviewed by TC Newman from Inside Edition.
Ultramarathon Runner’s Deep Bond with a Stray Dog in the Gobi Desert
July 15th 2024
Entering the endurance race as just another contestant, Leonard soon found himself with an unusual partner. On the second day, Leonard spotted her chewing on the covers. Calling out for someone to remove the dog, he lost ground as the race began while trying to manage this pesky follower. Read more at:
https://tinyurl.com/tvovermindFG
Ultramarathon Runner Who Rescued Dog Who Trailed Him During Desert Race Says Pup Has Changed His Life
July 14th 2024
It was the second day of a 155-mile race through the Chinese Gobi Desert when a small dog decided to befriend ultramarathoner Dion Leonard. That friendship would prove to change Leonard's life, he tells Inside Edition Digital.
Read the full interview at: https://tinyurl.com/InsideEditionFG
Meet Dion Leonard, Gobi Desert ultra marathon man and his (tag-along) dog
June 25th 2024
Ultra-marathon runner Dion Leonard discovered for himself why dogs really are a man's best friend.
Dion spoke with Pippa Hudson from Cape Talk South Africa about the amazing adventure meeting Gobi.
Listen at:
Stray Dog Joins Man On Ultra Marathon… He Makes Sure Her Journey Doesn’t End At The Finish Line!
June 21st 2024
Dion Leonard participated in a 250k (155.34 miles) multi-day race in Beijing, China. The race resulted in Dion finding Gobi, a small dog who ran with him for 77 miles over a two-day period.
Read more at: https://www.inspiremore.com/finding-gobi-dog/
'That Good News Girl' features Finding Gobi
May 27th 2024
'That Good News Girl' featured the story of Finding Gobi in a reel which went viral with over 36 million views, 2 million likes and 25,000 comments.
Check out the video that has captured hearts with Gobi's amazing story.
Bestselling ‘Finding Gobi’ author Dion Leonard visits Louisville schools
April 17th 2024
Author Dion Leonard introduced Gobi, the stray dog who inspired his bestselling book, to the students at Louisville’s Coal Creek Elementary on Wednesday as he shared how the two formed a strong bond during a grueling race through China’s Gobi Desert.
“Finding Gobi” author Dion Leonard answers questions from students on Wednesday at Louisville’s Coal Creek Elementary School. (Cliff Grassmick/Staff Photographer)
“This was an amazing adventure,” he said. “It’s a story about running and friendship.”
Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/DailyCameraFG
Don Cheadle, Bill Clinton and Dion Leonard in Denver, Colorado
April 14th 2024
Gobi has been found in Louisville, Colorado visiting students across the region. Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/DenverGazetteFG
Finding Gobi Book Signing
March 18th 2024
Dion Leonard, New York Times bestselling author will be at the Central Library in Grand Junction, CO on Monday, March 25 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. promoting his book “Finding Gobi.” Read more at:
https://www.westernslopenow.com/top-stories/finding-gobi-book-signing/
Dion Leonard meets New Mexico students
February 22nd 2024
On Thursday, Dion Leonard, author of “Finding Gobi” visited Jornada Elementary in Las Cruces, New Mexico to read his book based on a true story, a heartwarming tale of friendship, loyalty, and determination aloud to students. Students designed posters, artwork, and colorful signage to happily welcome Mr. Leonard, his wife Lucia Leonard, and their furry companion, Gobi.
Read more at:https://www.lcps.net/article/1473045
Leonard and Gobi visit the Esperanza Acosta Moreno Library in El Paso
February 20th 2024
The author of the New York Times best-selling book, "Finding Gobi," visited two public libraries in El Paso to share his extraordinary story. KFOX14 interviewed Dion Leonard before the event.
Watch the interview at: http://tinyurl.com/KFOXFGEvent
Best-selling writer and his dog to visit El Paso Public Libraries for storytime events
February 18th 2024
El Paso Public Libraries will host best-selling children’s book author and ultra-marathon runner Dion Leonard and his dog friend, Gobi, during two special appearances this week.
More at:
Community invited to meet “Finding Gobi” author Dion Leonard and his dog, Gobi
February 16th 2024
Bestselling Children’s Book Author Visits El Paso Public Libraries, Feb. 19th & 22nd.
Read more at:
Best Selling Author behind 'Finding Gobi' to visit El Paso libraries
February 14th 2024
El Paso television network KFOX14 interviewed Dion Leonard about his upcoming visit to share the story of Finding Gobi at libraries across the area.
Watch the interview at: http://tinyurl.com/KFOX14FG
Las Cruces Public Libraries will host The New York Times, Sunday Times and International Bestselling Author Dion Leonard
February 2nd 2024
Leonard’s book “Finding Gobi,” tells the heartwarming true story of his time as a seasoned ultramarathon runner, crossing paths with a stray dog while competing in a 155-mile race through the Gobi Desert in China. Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/LasCrucesFGNM