1st Annual Mystic Mutts 5K Race and Mutt Walk to Benefit The Haven

Come run for the dogs on August 30 as the 1^st Annual Mystic Mutts 5K Race and Mutt Walk will be held to benefit The Haven, a local no-kill animal shelter homed in Fairhope. At 8am on that date, participants in the 5K Race will take off from Bancraft Street near the Fairhope Public Library, head toward the top part of the Bay to White Ave and back. Then, at 9AM, the Mutt Walk for walkers and leashed dogs, begins at the same location, which should take approximately 90 minutes to complete. Presenting sponsors of this great family event include C.K. Collection, Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery, Pinzone’s Italian Downtown, Coquette, and Chris Myers Nissan. In addition, 97.5 WABD with Q-Tip and Gossip Greg will broadcast live from the race. “We are tremendously honored to have these wonderful businesses and local personalities support this first ever event for us,” said Mike Graham, Executive Director. “It’s events like this and the community support they generate that allow us to continue our life-saving mission.”

On-line registration for the event can be done at http://mysticmuttrace.eventbrite.com until 4am on August 29. In-person and mail registrations can be done at Running Wild (214 Fairhope Ave.), McCoy Outdoor (3498 Springhill Dr., Mobile), Run-N-Tri (6345L Airport Blvd., Piccadilly Sq., Mobile) or The Haven (559 S. Section St.) until Noon on August 28. Registration on the day of the event will also be held prior to the race from 6:30-7:45am. From now to August 20^th, adult registration is $20 and for children 18 and under it is $15. From August 21-29, registration will be $25 for adults and $20 for children. Registration fees on the day of the race will be $30 for adults and $25 for children. There will be a fee of $5 for each dog. Participants will receive a T-shirt, entry to the post-race party, and a raffle ticket toward donated door prizes. NOTE: To be guaranteed a T-shirt for the race day, participants must register by August 20. Four-legged participants will not be forgotten and will receive doggie treats.

“If these dogs had a voice, all they would ask for is a second chance,” said Kimberly Ferrari, the chairperson for the event. Coming to The Haven once a week to help walk the dogs, Ms. Ferrari has brought her experience in organizing similar events to help the no-kill shelter. “Everyone at The Haven works so hard in donating their time to ensure for the safety and well-being of these animals in the hopes that they will be adopted. Because of the important work they do, The Haven is a very valuable asset to this community,” she adds.

A pre-event bash hosted by Coquette and Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery will be held from 10am to 3pm at the Eastern Shore Shopping Center with refreshments provided by Pinzone’s Italian Downtown. Then, to round out the event, there will be a post-event bash in front of Pinzone’s Italian Downtown and the C.K. Collection on Fairhope Avenue. WABD will continue their live broadcasting as light refreshments and beverages will be provided for the race and walk participants. With a little over two months until the event, you and your 4-legged friend have time to start training so that you can join in this fun event and help homeless animals at the same time.