Heart & Sole 5K Run (and Dog Walk) benefiting Somerset Regional Animal Shelter

USA TRACK AND FIELD SANCTIONED 5K RUN/WALK TO BENEFIT

SOMERSET REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER

BRIDGEWATER, N.J.—The Heart & Sole 5K Run/Walk will take place on Sunday, October 9, 2016, at Duke Island Park to raise money to help the animals being cared for at Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. Participants will gather in the Apple Grove Picnic Area of the park, which is located at 189 Old York Road in Bridgewater.
The USA Track and Field (USATF) fully sanctioned 5K Run has a 9 a.m. shot gun start. After the race, awards will be presented for runners. The family-friendly 5K Walk begins at 10 a.m. and continues until 1 p.m. Dogs are welcome to join walkers only (not runners as dogs are not allowed on a sanctioned course). Walkers may bring strollers, and children are welcome to participate (registration is free for children under age 12).
The top prize, a $250 gift card, will be awarded to the run/walk participant with the highest amount of pledged donations. A variety of high-quality gift items will be raffled during the event.
In addition to refreshments, demos, and vendors, including a Try It Agility course for dogs, there will be a special appearance by Sparky, the mascot for the Somerset Patriots. Human participants will receive a t-shirt and there will be goody bags for dogs (while supplies last). The Presenting Walk Sponsor is Valkyrie Electric Motors, Somerville, and and the Presenting 5K Run Sponsor is the Somerset Veterinary Group of Bridgewater.
The Heart & Sole Shelter 5K Run/Walk is an annual event organized by Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter (FOSRAS) to raise money for the shelter. “This is the sixth year of the walk and the first year for the sanctioned run,” said Aviva Ehrlich, a member of FOSRAS who led the Heart & Sole Shelter 5K Run/Walk organizing committee. “We are excited to take this event to the next level and present a USATF sanctioned race with professional timing for runners, who have the opportunity to get points to qualify for marathons.”

She encouraged participants to sign up at www.fosras.com and begin collecting pledges. “We are very interested in expanding the network of support for the shelter,” Ms. Ehrlich said, adding that “This is a great event for teenagers if they want to do community service and get some exercise.”
Brian Bradshaw, manager of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter, said FOSRAS plays an important role in helping the shelter care for the animals. “Among other types of support, FOSRAS helps us care for the medical needs of the animals,” Mr. Bradshaw said. “Because of FOSRAS, more animals have a chance to find a good home.”
Somerset Regional Animal Shelter cares for approximately 1,000 lost, abandoned, and surrendered animals each year. In 2015, they placed more than 700 homeless animals into loving homes.
For more information about the Heart & Sole 5K Run/Walk and to register to participate, visit www.fosras.
There are various sponsorship opportunities available for the Heart & Sole 5K Run/Walk. For information about sponsorship and vendor opportunities, email heartandsole@fosras.com.
To register: https://raceroster.com/events/2016/9723/2016-fosras-heart-and-sole-5k-runwalk

Meet FOSRAS: www.fosras.com