The Richmond SPCA’s 18th Annual Dog Jog and 5K Run, presented by Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, will be held Saturday, March 21, 2020, at the non-profit organization’s humane center at 2519 Hermitage Rd. The event, which raises more than $166,000 in lifesaving support, brings together about 3,000 people and 600 dogs.
Museum District resident Laura Windsor is the chair of the Dog Jog and 5K Run planning committee for 2020. Windsor has taken part in the Dog Jog for many years, and for the past couple of years, formed a team of “dog-joggers” with her co-workers at Williams Mullen law firm and their four-legged companions.
“Now I get a group of friends and co-workers together every year and make it a big group outing with their dogs,” Windsor said. “Last year, we had about 20 human and 12 dogs participating in the event. It is such a fun day for everyone!”
Neighbors can find and support Windsor’s fundraising page in the participant search at www.richmondspca.org/dogjog, or register to participate and make fundraising pages of their own.
The day’s activities begin with a competitive, chip-timed 5K run/walk for humans only followed by a dog and stroller-friendly, leisurely, one-mile Dog Jog. Throughout the morning, supporters will enjoy the pet-friendly vendors, featuring a Kids Fun Zone packed full of fun crafts, giant inflatables, face painting and more, as well as dozens of vendors offering giveaways.
Funds raised through the Dog Jog and 5K Run support the care of thousands of homeless animals and the lifesaving programs and services the Richmond SPCA provides the community. In its most recent fiscal year, the Richmond SPCA cared for 4,091 dogs and cats, transferring thousands of animals in need from public shelters across Virginia to its humane center. The organization also operates the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital, the first of its kind in the Commonwealth to provide low-cost, full-service veterinary care for the pets of low-income guardians, pets in government shelters and those adopted from the Richmond SPCA.
For more information about the Richmond SPCA and the Dog Jog and 5K Run, visit richmondspca.org.