Event first held in 2013 was moved to spring to avoid inclement weather and potential scheduling conflicts
Airway Heights residents who love to run 5Ks but always wanted to bring their canine companion will get a chance to later this spring.
The Airway Heights Parks and Recreation Department is bringing back its 5K9 Fun Run and Walk event April 18 at 9 a.m. at Sunset Park.
Airway Heights’ parks, recreation and community services supervisor Andy Gardner and Director J.C. Kennedy started the event to give local dog owners and their animals a chance to meet each other.
“We wanted to have a pet expo, but pets aren’t typically welcome at those kind of events,” Gardner said. “We saw some similar events on the West Coast and decided to do a 5K run and walk here.”
The city held the first event in October 2013 but decided to move it into spring because of the weather and to keep it from conflicting with other events. The race consists of two laps on a course that begins at Sunset Park, continues on Sixth Avenue to Aspen Grove Park and back to Sunset. Runners with puppies, smaller dogs and strollers are recommended to do just one lap.
After the race, the city will close off Martella Field to allow dogs to run. Runners do not need to have a dog to participate in the race.
As for rules, all dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and less than six feet tall. Dog owners are encouraged to bring muzzles.
“If you know your dog is aggressive or in heat, you should leave them at home,” Gardner said.
GinnieO’s Grooming is the lead sponsor for the event. Felicia Borden, of GinnieO’s, said the business will award prizes to the male and female who finish the race.
“We’re hoping for a good a turnout this year,” Borden said. “This is an event where people want to get outside and exercise their critters. A lot of people are into their pups right now.”
Gardner said he is speaking with Spokanimal and SCRAPS (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service) to appear and give out information about dog adoption.
Registration for the event is $10 without a race shirt, $20 with one and includes a race bandana for the dog. The registration deadline is April 3.
“For the community, it’s an opportunity to do something fun and enjoy the company of other dogs and people,” Gardner said.
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
Reader Comments(0)