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Williamstown Hosts Canine Run Through Downtown09:53PM / Sunday, May 03, 2009
Submitted Photos
The contingent from Greylock Animal Hospital at last year's Humane Race; top, Lisa Hiley and Dr. Katie Wolfgang run with their dogs. |
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The annual Humane Race and Fun Run moves into the Village Beautiful for the first time this coming Saturday.
Now in its seventh year, the benefit for the Berkshire Humane Society, presented by The Browns, will highlight many of the town's attractions, such as its business district, the Francine and Sterling Clark Art Institute and the Williams College campus.
The race has been held at Mount Greylock Regional High School for the past six years, but organizers have moved the family event downtown this to better promote both the race and local businesses and organizations, giving them more opportunities to become involved.
This year, for instance, the Clark will host an art project featuring its famous painting by Renoir of "Tama the Japanese Dog." Kids are invited to create their own puppy pin or bookmark with Tama's likeness. The Clark table will be at the finish line.
After the race, at 12:30, Water Street Books at 26 Water St. will feature K-9 Police Officer Mike Ziemba and Blue will read two books, "I Got Two Dogs" by John Lithgow and "Officer Buckle and Gloria" by Peggy Rathmann. After the readings, children are invited to create art for the My Favorite Dog contest. Prizes will be awarded in three categories and judged by Ziemba. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to attend and snacks will be provided for all. For more information call Water Street Books at 413-458-8021.
The main attraction of the Humane Race is, without question, the dogs, although runners and walkers can participate with or without a four-legged friend.
"The Humane Race is a real blast. You can tell everyone is having such fun, and it's great to see the dogs as the center of attention, they are always so excited and joyful," said Dr. Laura Jones-Kobrin of Greylock Animal Hospital, a strong supporter of the event. Kones-Kobrin has participated every year, along with many of the hospital's doctors and employees. "My kids have always enjoyed the event as well. There is nothing like the smiles you see on children's faces when surrounded by all those wagging tails and inquisitive noses!"
The 5-kilometer race begins in front of The Browns at 16 Water St. will swing west to South Street to the Clark and back to Spring Street. There will also be a 1-mile walk. Finish line festivities will include prizes, raffles, food, music and more, and will take place at the end of Spring Street.
The first 100 participants to register will receive a commemorative T-shirt and all dogs will receive a bandana.
The race begins at 10 a.m. with registration beginning at 8:30; registration will also be taken from 6 to 8 on Friday night and online. Parking is available in the old town garage Lot across from Linear Park on Water Street.
The advance registration cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under; $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under for race-day registration. Children in strollers are free and there is no extra cost to run with a dog.
The Berkshire Humane Society is a privately run, non-profit organization, which receives no city, state or federal funding of any kind. The BHS provides support and assistance to pet owners throughout the county and beyond, including invaluable social services such as low-cost spay and neuter programs, a pet food bank, educational outreach programs, family dog school, and a Safe Pet program in conjunction with the Elizabeth Freeman Center, the local shelter for victims of domestic violence and abuse.
For additional details and to register, visit www.HumaneRace.org or contact race director Alix Cabral at info@humanerace.org. |
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