Helen Woodward Animal Center Combines Two Colorful Events for Runners, Walkers, Waggers, and Revelers…
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2019) – Two of Helen Woodward Animal Center’s favorite and most colorful annual events are hitting the ground running… literally… and heading straight to the bayou! Runners, walkers, and revelers are gearing up as the Doggie Gras Parade and Puppy Love 5K join forces to culminate in the cutest display of athleticism this side of the Mississippi. You won’t want to miss Helen Woodward Animal Center’s first ever Doggie Gras 5K & Parade presented by Blue Buffalo, happening Sunday, March 3, starting at 7 a.m. at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Participants are encouraged to register for the early morning 5K and the later-morning parade with all funds benefitting the orphan pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center. The event kicks off with a 7:30 a.m. family, kid and doggie-friendly 5k along beautiful EmBARKadero’s flat scenic course, where New Orleans-themed costumes are encouraged!
This year, the Center is excited and honored to welcome San Diego-based Team Red, White and Blue (RWB) as they raise their American flags to lead two and four-legged runners in the timed 5K race. Team RWB is a group comprised of military veterans who work to connect with the community through physical and social activity.
Once through the finish line, runners and walkers will join attendees on BourBONE Street and wag into the Petco Foundation BARKetplace where the Doggie Gras celebration unfolds. Participants can enjoy authentic south Louisiana style food from Miramar-based, LouZiana Food Truck. The family menu created with heart and soul includes made-from-scratch, New Orleans famous beignets. The Petco Foundation BARKetplace will also include a variety of vendors, kid-friendly activities like face painting and crafts, opportunity drawings, costume contests, and award ceremonies.
Attendees can also awe at the incredible skills of the Ballistic Racers Flyball Team. Talented pups of all kinds will demonstrate their athletic abilities and doggie-human bond in this relay race for dogs that’s growing in popularity.
Finally, celebrating animal rescue in true Mardi Gras-fashion, furry froLICKers are encouraged to jump into their homemade Doggie Gras floats and their best New Orleans-inspired ensembles and take part in the ever-colorful Doggie Gras Parade. This year, social media sensation Bamboo, the skateboarding dog, will be leading the Doggie Gras Parade in style. Top PAWticipating groups who wow the judges can win cash prizes of up to $500, a SeaWorld Encounter and more. Individuals taking part in the parade can win the opportunity to award their favorite organization the cash donation. (Visit the event page for full contest details.) Animal lovers and long-time Helen Wood Animal Center supporters, Magic 92.5’s morning show hosts Jagger and Kristi, will emcee the festive event!
Schedule of events:
- Day-Of Registration – 6:45 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.
- 5K Runners – 7:30 to 8:15 a.m., awards announced at 9:15 a.m.
- 5K Walkers – 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.
- BARKetplace – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Fly Ball Demonstrations – 8:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
- Doggie Gras Parade – 10 to 11 a.m.
- Parade Award Ceremony – 11 to 11:30 a.m.
- Opportunity Drawing Winners Announced – 11:30 a.m.
For full details and to register, head to https://my.animalcenter.org/DoggieGras5K.