'My Dogs Are Barking' 5K Road Race Today

Last year, more than 300 runners and walkers participated in the Animal Rescue League of New Hamphire's second annual "My Dogs are Barking" 5K fun run.

At least a third of those participants brought an extra four legs in tow.

Like last year, the 2012 event, which is scheduled for this Sunday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m., begins and ends at the and ... get this, dogs are not only welcome to participate, but encouraged.

The unique run/walk welcomed everyone from experienced runners, to first-timers, young children and well-behaved canines.

Those runners and walkers with dogs begin in the second wave to allow the more competitive participants the right-away of the course. 

The "moderately challenging" race will be chip timed (download course map here).

Event Information:

Advance Registration (Register Online Today or download Mail-In Registration form):

• $20 per person for ages 13 and older
• $15 per person for 9-12 year olds $15.00
• Children 8 and under are free

Day of registration available for $25 per person.

For added fun, participants are encouraged to consider forming a Fund Raising Team.

Prizes include:

• Hand-made ceramic bowls by artist Keith Martin for top three male and female finishers!
• Colorful T-Shirts for the first 500 pre-registrants
• Commemorative age group awards
• Award for first "six legged" finisher
• Awards for top fund raising teams
• And much more!

For safety purposes, race participants will be separated into two waves. The first wave is for runners, with competitive runners at the front of the pack and recreational runners to the rear. The second wave, starting a few minutes later, is for runners with dogs, and walkers with or without dogs. Since this is a chip-timed event with a start mat, there is no disadvantage to starting in the second wave. This grouping will help the more competitive runners to sprint ahead without being inadvertently tripped up by a leash.

There will be a water stop at the approximate halfway point for both people and dogs.

To make this event as pleasant as possible for all involved, participants with dogs are asked to abide by the following rules:

1. Please keep dogs on a short lead and have them walk or run close to you. As people maneuver through the pack during the race, we do not want them to be tripped up with long or flexi-leads.
2. Please be certain your dog is comfortable running at your pace before deciding to bring him or her. We want this to be a pleasant experience for everyone, the four-legged participants as well. If your dog is not comfortable running or stops and starts quite a bit, please consider walking with him that day for the safety of the others as well as for the comfort of your pooch.
3. Please pick up after all your dog's messes, including along the route. It is not pleasant for a runner or walker to step in an unexpected surprise!
4. As we are encouraging children and families to attend and participate, please be certain to watch your dog's reaction around crowds and especially children. Moms and dads: Please also keep an eye on your child's interactions with the dogs as some dogs are more reactive than other. We want this to be a fun and safe event for all involved!

Parking: Parking will be on the field across from the Educational Farm.

Race Packets: Race packet pick up from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct.6  at the Animal Rescue League of NH, 545 Route 101, Bedford. Day-of-Event packet pickup at the Educational Farm opens at 7:30 a.m.

About the ARL
The Animal Rescue League of NH was founded in 1902 and currently serves much of Southern NH. Since affiliating with the Conway Area Humane Society (now the ARL-NH North), the League serves much of the North country including towns as far north as West Stewartstown, NH. For more information about the Animal Rescue League of NH visit www.rescueleague.org. For more information, contact: Laura Montenegro, Director of Events & Communication at Animal Rescue League of NH-South at 472-5714 or at events@rescueleague.org.

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