PHOTO ESSAY BY MARSHA MORGAN
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
June 1, 2016

The 3rd Annual “PAWZ by the Sea” 5K and 10K Run/Walk and a Kids’ Fun Run were held on a warm and sunny morning this Memorial Day, May 30, in Langley. Presented by Animal Hospital by the Sea in collaboration with Langley Main Street Association, it was a benefit for Happy Hounds 4H Club and Good Cheer Pet Food Bank.

An energized crowd of runners and walkers, with and without accompanying dogs, gathered at Second Street in Langley. Awards were given to the top 10 women, men and dogs.

The 5K and 10K courses looped around Langley, starting and ending next to the Animal Hospital on Second Street. The separate Kids’ Fun Run was an out-and-back run held after the longer runs but from the same start line; kids had the option of doing a 1/4, 1/2 or a full-mile run.

After a meet-and-greet…

and showing off their outfits...

all four-legged and two-legged participants gathered at the starting line.

There was a pace for everyone—quick…

and leisurely.

At least there was only one BIG hill, going out of town on First Street.

The participants gradually spread out.

Early 5K runners closing in on the finish line.

After crossing the finish line…

all participants received water, snacks and swag bags from volunteers.

The winners of the 10K run, Danielle Rideout (left) and Clark Bishop, with 11-year-old, Maya, who ran the entire race with Rideout.

Sponsor Jean Dieden DVM, (left) and owner of Animal Hospital by the Sea, handed out awards to race winners, assisted by sponsor Louise Long of Perfect Time Events.

Getting ready for the separate Kids’ Race, a mom encouraged her son to put on his fiercest face in readiness. Their lab waited patiently (as labs usually do), resting up for the big event.

And the kids are off!

Marsha Morgan is a WLM staff photographer.

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