5K run/walk to benefit Helping Paws Animal Shelter

Submitted by Helping Paws Animal Shelter

On Sunday, Nov. 3, the seventh annual “Panting for Paws” with Helping Paws Animal Shelter will begin at 8:30 a.m. for the Fun Run and 9 a.m. for the 5K at Lippold Park, 8597 Route 176, Crystal Lake.

Both the 5K run/walk and the 1-mile fun run will take place on a flat, scenic path of crushed limestone near the baseball pavilion in the northeast section of the park.

Register at www.pantingforpaws.com. Cost is $25 for 5K and $15 for Fun Run. Online registration will close at 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. Packet pickup and in-person registration will be from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Helping Paws or at 7 a.m. at the park on race day Sunday, Nov. 3.

Although the proceeds from this race will benefit the dogs and cats of Helping Paws, for the safety of everyone, there will be no pets allowed on any of the race paths. However, leashed dogs current on their vaccines are welcome as spectators to bark for their humans.

“Your participation in the Panting for Paws annual race does more than keep our doors open, or put nourishing food into hungry bellies, or provide one more vaccine, clean blankets, or a toy to the abandoned animals at our shelter,” said Amy Edwards, race coordinator.

“It helps to reignite the spark in the once dark and frightened eyes of each animal in our care, and gives each the courage to live fully, not just to survive.

“It gives our staff and volunteers genuine hope that their efforts have not been in vain — that the cats and dogs who have found refuge with us have a chance and will not be tossed back to the streets. It promises a new life for these animals — one in which they learn to trust and to love again.”

For more information, call Amy Edwards at (815) 338-4400.