Mutts On The Mountain Race Is April 28

From Westchester County Parks: Spring is here and that means more time to spend with your pets outdoors. Now is the time to start enjoying the great outdoors in Westchester County’s local parks, especially at the largest dog gathering in the area this year. The 3rd Annual Mutts on the Mountain 5K Trail Race and Lazy Dog 1M Fun Run, which is hosted by Westchester Parks Foundation, will take place this year on Saturday, April 28 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill.

The popular event is back for more tail-wagging, trail running fun. Area residents can bone up on their human-canine running skills for the only timed trail race of its length in Westchester County that permits people to run with their furry friends.

“We expect hundreds of residents and visitors from throughout the region to join in the fun with their dogs this year, as well as solo runners interested in doing the 5K on their own. It’s a great event to kick off the spring season for all to enjoy in one of our county’s most loved parks,” said Joanne Fernandez, Westchester Parks Foundation Board Chairperson. “We encourage everyone to ‘be a parkster’ and enjoy the great outdoors!”

Locals can participate in one of two races:

• 5K Trail Race – Conquer 3.1 miles, featuring steep climbs, rock scrambles and nearly 500 feet of elevation gain. This course will keep trail runners on their toes and keep those running with their canine companion focused on what waits around the bend. Participants will find an aid station (water for human and canine participants) 1.6 miles into the course. Human participants who don’t have a canine companion are encouraged to participate in this course (there will have three waves, the first being for dog-less participants). Check-in is at 8 a.m. The race begins at 9:15 a.m.

• Lazy Dog 1M Fun Run – This 1-mile romp is perfect for individuals who tire easily as well as small and older dogs who can’t quite handle the 5K course’s “ruff” terrain. Participants will be able to explore a portion of Blue Mountain’s extensive trail system while taking in views of the lake. Check in at 8 a.m. and hit the course at9:30 a.m.

Registration is open for both Mutts on the Mountain races – $50 for each human-canine entry in the 5K Trail Race and $25 for each pair in the Lazy Dog 1M Fun Run. All registrants get a dri-fit custom Mutts on the Mountain t-shirt and all canine participants get a custom “Mutts” on the Mountain bandanna. In addition to the races, spectators are invited to attend the event free of charge. The Village at Mutts, nearby the start and finish lines, will feature a doggie exercise area, food and drinks to purchase for humans and canines and vendors.

Sponsors for this event are Robison Oil, TD Bank, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, ShopRite, Sharc Media and L.L. Bean.

Funds raised support Westchester Parks Foundation’s mission to engage the public to advocate for and invest in the preservation, conservation, use and enjoyment of the 18,000 acres of parks, trails, and open space within the Westchester County Parks system.

Blue Mountain Reservation is located at 435 Welcher Avenue in Peekskill. For more information on how to register, call (914) 231-4600 or visit thewpf.org. Follow Westchester Parks Foundation on Facebook.com/WestchesterParksFoundation, Twitter @FriendsofParks and Instagram.com/thewpf.

photo/ Westchester Parks