Eighth annual Dog Jog held at Grange Fairgrounds

CENTRE HALL — Dogs and their owners hit the road running April 30 during the eighth annual Dog Jog 5K Run/Walk. A fundraiser for Pets Come First — a no-kill shelter in Potter Township that finds homes for 400 pets each years and spays and neuters about 600 animals annually — the event was held at the Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall.

This event differed from typical 5K fundraisers, since it participating runners could take their dogs on the run, too. There was also a 1.5K walk for the smaller, older or slower dogs — or people. Prizes from local businesses and organizations were awarded to the top male and female finishers.

Vendors of pet-related merchandise and foods were on hand, and a silent auction of items donated by local businesses was conducted to also raise funds. The Whistle Stop Restaurant in Centre Hall donated 10 percent of its proceeds for the day to Pets Come First. Agility training, food and beverages, a microchip clinic and music by DJ Jammin’ Jay were also featured.

The dogs did a lot of barking and socializing in their unique ways before the race. Then, Pets Come First manager Deb Warner lined up the more than 100 human and canine runners to start the race at 10 a.m. With plenty of barking and cheering, the runners took off on a 3.1-mile serpentine loop around the fairgrounds, returning to the finish line near the Grange exhibit buildings.

The first six legs across the finish line belonged to Blair Evans, of State College, and his German shorthair, Trixie.

Evans was a late arrival to the race, and started about two minutes behind the field, but he and Trixie easily outran their two- and four-legged competition. One at a time, or in small groups, the others followed, human runners often appearing more exhausted than their canine companions.