Dogs and their owners run to help end sexual violence
The Canine Classic will be run on Sunday, April
19th at the Boulder Reservoir. Beginning at 9:00 am, the Canine Classic is
a 5K and 10K run/walk with dogs, but the race is also open to participants without
a canine companion. It is a popular tuneup and qualifying race for the Bolder
Boulder.
This is
the 9th year for this light-hearted event for dog lovers featuring a scenic
course around the Boulder Reservoir, pooch pools along the way for hydration
(or just cooling off), a T-shirt with original canine artwork by local artist
Kristin Sheldon, and a special gift for all canine participants.
After
the event, relax with your two- and four-legged friends at the Canine Classic
Expo. Stick around for delicious food, free massages for people and pets, a wide
variety of vendors, huge prize raffle and awards for the fastest runners and recognition of top fundraisers.
"MESA
added the canine component the annual fundraiser in 2000 to fill a niche in the
Boulder market. With a region (and a staff) of dog lovers, a
fundraising event with everyone's pet pooches seemed a natural fit"
explained Deirdre Moynihan, MESA's Director of Development & Public Information, "Additionally, sexual assault is such a
heavy topic having dogs out here lightens the atmosphere while still allowing
us to get our message across to the participants"
All race
and pledge proceeds benefit Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA). MESA provides support
services-including a 24-hour rape crisis hotline-to victims of sexual assault
and their family and friends. MESA also offers sexual assault prevention
education programs to youth and adults throughout Boulder County.
In
Colorado, research has shown that as many as one in four women and one in 17
men are victims of sexual violence at some time in their lives. MESA offers
critically important services that make a difference in the lives of victims
and their families. MESA is funded solely through grants, private contributions
and special events. In 2008, nearly 1,100 human participants registered for the
Canine Classic accompanied by over 700 dogs of every breed, size and age.
Through sponsorships, race entries and participant fundraising, the event
raised over $52,000 for MESA's programs. MESA hopes to do the same again this year.
"We have seen a decrease in corporate participation however the individuals participants are ahead of last year and that is the most important aspect "says Deirdre Moynihan, Director of Development and Public Information "This event is not only to raise funds but to help raise awareness about the work of Moving to End Sexual Assault. We have seen an increase in our call volume to the Hotline and it is important that the community knows we are here as a resource."
Registration fees range from $20 to $30 before race day, and from $25 to $35 on race day. To register for the Canine Classic:
- Online at http://tinyurl.com/2009CanineReg
- Only Natural Pet Store at Crossroads Crossing, 28th & Pearl
- By phone at 303-443-0400
- Or at the race on Sunday, April 19th, starting at 7:30 am
For more
information, go to www.movingtoendsexualassault.org or call 303-443-0400.
Canine Classic T-shirt bear the art of Kirsten Sheldon of Heart Strings Card Company. Many runners come back year after year to collect these t-shirts.
