Register for fur-friendly race
Published 9:46 pm Monday, August 13, 2018
The Suffolk Humane Society is teaming up with the Lake Prince Woods retirement community and RunTime Races for the first 4 PAWS 5K and One Mile Fun Run and Walk fundraiser to benefit both older community members and four-legged friends.
The event will take place on Aug. 25 at Lake Prince Woods, 100 Anna Goode Way. Registration will be from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. with advance registration also available and encouraged. The Fun Run and Walk will begin at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:10 a.m., with the event expected to conclude around 11 a.m.
Runners and walkers will move through the retirement community’s roads and trails as residents cheer them on, according to Margie Wiley of the Suffolk Humane Society Board of Directors and Lake Prince Woods advisory council.
“There’s nothing like residents from the retirement community cheering you on to motivate you to get through the race,” Wiley said in a phone interview.
Each participant will receive a race shirt and finisher medal along with awards for different categories. The three fastest male and female finishers will be recognized alongside the top overall man and woman. The top three men and women for specific age groups in the 5K will also be awarded.
Wiley said pets will have medals of their own and that racing bags will be distributed with snacks for pets and pet owners alike. Pets will cool off in inflatable pools of water and can even receive aromatherapy massages while pet parents enjoy light refreshments.
Wiley said the fundraiser is a great way to support the community-minded efforts of both organizations. Proceeds will go towards the humane society’s community assistance program, a first-come, first-served fund that helps people pay for their pets’ necessary medical treatments.
The fundraiser will also help the Lake Prince Woods “Grant a Dream” program, a fund that provides memorable experiences to senior residents, such as one man who wanted to go skydiving, Wiley said.
“You’re able to grant a wish to somebody that either brings back a memory or is something they always wanted to do before it’s too late,” she said.
Registration costs $10 for the one-miler and $25 for the 5K. Those who wish to donate but can’t attend can register as Phantom Runners for $25 each. Volunteers are also welcome to register.
For registration and other information search “1st Annual 4PAWS & 5K Fun Run” on Facebook, call the Suffolk Humane Society at 538-3030 or call Lake Prince Woods Director of Residential Services Denise Brown at 923-5500.