The second annual Grateful Dog Rescue Run/Walk will take place Sunday, Aug. 30 at Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin. The event includes a free 1/8th mile Kids Fun Run, along with the 5K Run/Walk.
Last year’s event drew 324 participants and raised more than $1,500 for local rescue groups. The goal for this year is to have 500 participants and generate $2,000 for local rescue groups, along with $1,000 for the Rocklin Residents United for Fido (RRUFF) Healing Heroes program.
The 5K Run/Walk, which begins at 8 a.m., costs $35 for adults and $20 for ages 18-under. The Kids Fun Run starts at 7:45 a.m. and is free.
All 5K paid participants who sign up before Aug. 15 receive a free T-shirt. For the 5K participants, $5 of the registration fee will be donated to the rescue group of their choice from the provided list of 30 groups.
The flat, dirt trail course has mile markers and will be timed. Participants will be asked to line up based on their estimated running pace. Everyone who finishes the run/walk and the Kids run will receive ribbons for completing the course. Leashed dogs are welcome in the 5K Run/Walk.
RRUFF is partnering with 4Paws2Freedom to provide service dog training to disabled military veterans. The fundraising goals for this program are to provide scholarships to deserving veterans to help them find a dog, and provide the training from puppy to adult certification. The outdoor program is held at the RRUFF Dog Park Special Needs area.
The Grateful Dog Rescue Run/Walk is a part of the Run Rocklin Series and is managed by Larry Osborne and Elephant Ideas, a Rocklin-based event management company. The goal of the event is to support local animal rescue groups and the Healing Heroes Program. The Grateful Dog Rescue Run/Walk is a City of Rocklin co-sponsored event.
The Grateful Dog Rescue Run/Walk is part of a larger event known as Woofstock, which is celebrating its eighth anniversary by expanding the event to “Woofstock Weekend” – starting Friday, Aug. 28 and running through Aug. 30.
Weekend activities include Pups at the Pub (Aug. 28), Movie in the Park (Aug. 29) and the Woofstock Festival on Aug. 30. The Festival includes the Woofstock Grateful Dog Rescue Run, an obstacle course, Weiner Dog Races, a 1960’s costume contest, over 130 vendors, entertainment, 20-plus dog rescue groups, Bark Art, and more.