May 6, 2015
It will be a doggone great day for the third annual PAWZ 5K run/walk offered on a beautiful course through the seaside village of Langley on Whidbey Island. The event will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 and you can register online at www.PawzbytheSea.com
This family-friendly event allows you to walk or run with two or four legged friends. You don’t have to have a dog to run; you just need to bring your enthusiasm. All participants will receive a T-shirt and goodie bag at the finish line and dogs will receive a bandana. The course will take you on a circular route through historic downtown Langley, along tree-lined back roads, past the Fairgrounds and back along Saratoga Passage bluff with beautiful views of the Sound. The race starts at 9 a.m. with registration available on-line, or on race day beginning at 7:30 a.m.
The kid’s run is offered for those under 10 years old and starts at 10:30 a.m. The short course starts on Second Street down Cascade Ave. to First St. and finishes back on Second.
The top ten men and women and dog winners will be awarded prizes with random prizes given dogs for feats like most drool, shortest legs, biggest eyes, most active tail and more. Costumes are encouraged. Last year there were dogs in tutus, strollers and rain slickers, with their two-legged partners often dressed to match.
The event is sponsored by Animal Hospital by the Sea, owner Jean Dieden and Langley Main Street Association. This year’s race promises to be packed—with serious runners, not-so-serious runners/walkers who just come to enjoy the great course, and other participants. Organizer Louise Long has organized 14 marathons including the Seattle Marathon, See Jane Run and more.
“This is an absolutely wonderful day,” Long said after last year’s first race. “There were lots of runners and dogs, no dog fights and no runner fights.”
Dieden said she was very happy with the tremendous turnout last year. “Over 100 participants from all over came to run,” she noted, adding that she hopes this year’s event will be even bigger.
The PAWZ 5K run/walk is a benefit for the 4H Happy Hounds Dog Club and Good Cheer pet food bank. For more information, visit www.PawzbytheSea.com.
