Helping Paws’ Wag, Walk & Run Takes Place May 20

Dogs and their humans will hit the trails yet again at 14th Annual Wag, Walk & Run taking place May 20.

The event includes a one-mile kids’ run for children 12 and younger and a six-legged run or walk that participants can do with their well-mannered canine companions. There will also be entertainment such as dog demonstrations, dog contests, face painting, vendor booths and a chance to meet Helping Paws service dogs.

Helping Paws started in 1985 as a University of Minnesota pilot program. It’s continued more than a quarter century providing dogs to people with physical disabilities—such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or Lou Gehrig's disease.

The Wag, Walk & Run raises money for the program. Last year, 450 participants and 300 dogs attended, bringing in more than $45,000. This year, the organization aims to raise $55,000 to help individuals with disabilities live independent lives with the use of service dogs.

“This is such a great event, not only because it’s a fun activity for families and their dogs, but also because it helps spread the message of Helping Paws,” a news release quoted Pam Anderson, director of development at Helping Paws.

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14th Annual Wag, Walk & Run

Date: May 20

Time:

• Kids’ run: 8:40 a.m.
• Six-legged run: 9:30 a.m.
• Entertainment: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Place: Purgatory Creek in Eden Prairie (13001 Technology Drive).

Course: The Wag, Walk & Run takes place on asphalt, off-road trails that are ADA accessible. There will be a water stop for humans and dogs.

Registration (entry fee waived for those who collect $75 or more in donations):

• Early registration (through May 10): 12 and younger, $15; age 13 and older, $25. Register online or download a printable registration form.
• Race day registration (8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.): 12 and younger, $20; age 13 and older, $35.

Prizes: Everyone who registers early will receive a T-shirt and doggie bandanna. Race-day registrants will receive them while supplies last. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in the six-legged 5K Run and to the top three male and female finishers of the 1 Mile Kids Run.