10 Reasons To Run/Walk the Furry 5K
On Sunday, June 11, dogs, their humans and other pet-lovers will be at Seattle’s Seward Park to help raise awareness for the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS), which takes in thousands of animals every year. Proceeds will benefit the Help the Animals Fund (HTAF) – 100% donation-funded program which allows to provide veterinary care and supplies to dogs and other orphaned animals.
And because the Furry 5K is all about the dogs, there will be a lot of wagging and barks to be had. Here are the Top 10 reasons to run/walk the Furry 5K:
1. Raise money for your furry friends. Runners and walkers can compete for prizes by collecting the most donations. Trophies, medals and prizes will be awarded to the top fundraising teams and individuals.
2. Visit with some of the Seattle Animals Shelter dogs at the event. While you won’t see any of the shelter’s cats, guinea pigs, snakes or turtles, you’ll get to visit with some friendly pooches who are ready to be adopted.
3. Run with your dog! We like to think dogs are a great reminder that we all need to be walked every day. This is your chance to run or walk with your best furry friend around the perimeter of Seward Park for a beautiful 5K loop. The Furry 5K is one of the only races in Seattle that encourages you to bring your dog along.
4. Awards for top finishers. The Furry 5K will award medals for the top males, females and dogs to cross the finish line!
5. Pet-a-Palooza. After the race, stick around for trained dogs showing off their agility skills or enter your dog in one of fun contests for most adorable, best costume, and more!
6. Explore Seward Park. With 300 acres of beautiful forest land, home to eagles’ nests, old growth forest, , amphitheater, native plant garden, and miles of hiking trails, shoreline, beaches and more, this peninsula sits along the shore of Lake Washington.
7. Post-race celebration. Enjoy festive music, awards, vendor booths and treats, of course. If your dog gets more schwag than you, it’s only because the Furry 5K takes extra care of the four-legged participants.
8. It’s a safe place for a leashed canine. The Furry 5K enforces rules that include no aggressive dogs allowed, dogs must be leashed at all times, no dogs under six months of age should be entered, and no retractable leashes are allowed. While the rules might seem strict, it keeps things safe and the event running smoothly.
9. Get outside! Weather in Seattle can make it hard to explore the outdoors on a regular basis. Make the Furry 5K a fun, social time for both you and your dog. Getting fresh air can boost the spirit and put a new spring in your step.
10. Help the shelter animals. Seattle Animal Shelter is a place many go to find the next addition to their family, or a four-legged best friend. Supporting the Furry 5K means the shelter will continue to keep its doors open year after year.
To register or just donate, visit furry5K.com. Early bird entry is just $35 through May 31 and includes a t-shirt.
