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DARKE COUNTY – The Darke County Friends of the Shelter are having their third 5K race to benefit the dog park.
Entrants may run or walk the event. This race is part of the Darke County Wellness Challenge. The third annual 5K will be held on April 9 at the Darke County Fairgrounds, and 100 percent of the money will go to the dog park.
Runners and walkers can participate with or without their dogs. Those with dogs are encouraged to run/walk with their dogs. Special awards will be given to those with dogs.
All regular age group awards will be given, also. A new addition to this year’s run/walk is the awarding of first, second and third place medals for the best dressed dogs.
The Friends of the Shelter’s goal for their first run/walk in 2014 was to make it like no other in Darke County – and they did. This year they will continue to build upon the success of 2014 and 2015.
Marco’s pizza and breadsticks will be available to everyone at the finish line as well as free Boston Stoker coffee and hot chocolate. Special treats also will be available for the dogs.
Sponsors for this event are: GOLD: Arcanum Veterinary Services, Matt and Angie Arnold and their dog Bailey, Barry Family Dentistry LLC, Edgetown Veterinary Clinic and Laser Center, Financial Achievement Services Inc., Zeke & Mini Litchfield, Majestic Pet Cremation Services, Pooch Parlor, Schultz Motors, Western Ohio Podiatric Medical Center, Darke County Veterinary Services. SILVER: Buddy and Turbo Dean. BRONZE: Greenville Federal, Hartzell Veterinary Service, Jeff Hole and Max, Kline Timber, Second National Bank, Vinny & Sherman & Lucy Aukerman, Snap Fitness, Zechar-Bailey Funeral Home, Double M Diner, Dr. Thomas Brown.
Donations are from Kellers, Heavy Metal Church, Brenda’s Beanery, Eileen Litchfield, Marco’s Pizza, Hibbett Sporting Goods, Boston Stoker, YMCA, Rocketship Sports Management, Great Sound Mobile DJ Service, Taco Bell, KFC, McDonald’s and Walmart. Dr. Farst (Arcanum Veterinary Service) again will offer discounted micro chipping at the event.
The park was built without tax dollars by members of the Darke County Friends of the Shelter through fundraisers, grants and donations. The upkeep expenses, mowing and weeding are ongoing. The organization also wants further to improve the park.
Interested runners and walkers may enter online at www.gtraces.com. People wanting T-shirts must enter by midnight March 21. There will be same day registration.
Check for updates and information for this one of a kind event in Darke County at the organization’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/Shelterfriends5KRace.
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