PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
May 27, 2015

The annual PAWZ by the Sea 5k run/walk participants took the scenic route around Langley on Monday, May 25 and WLM photographer David Welton captured the action. The PAWZ event is brought to you by Jean Dieden of the Animal Hospital by the Sea and benefits the Happy Hounds 4H Club and the Good Cheer Pet Food Bank.

Jim Freeman gets the runners set as Jean Dieden, on the left, is ready to blow the start horn.

And they’re off! The crowd surges forward, mowing down anyone who’s in its way!

Surging down Second Street and heading toward Village Pizzeria they ran…

Big dogs and little dogs climb First Street hill.

The weariness from the long climb is evident in some of the participant’s eyes…

There’s nothing like crossing the Finish Line to make you jump for joy!

We made it, Ma! We made it…  I knew we could do it!!

Hydration and food at the finish line.

Peter Lawlor prepares to enter the kids race.  Although he is 94, his dog is only 10.

The kids charge ahead of Peter.

Peter is on course to reach the Finish Line—just not ahead of the kids.

Will Simms, first finisher overall, at the Awards Ceremony with Jean Dieden and Jim Freeeman.

Both two and four legged participants enjoyed a fun run and treats at the finish line courtesy of race organizer Louise Long of Perfect Time Events.

David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life magazine.

__________________

CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.