The following is from Hounds and Harriers:
The 20th Annual 3 mile Hounds and Harriers Run is being held in South Mountain Reservation in South Orange on Saturday, October 8. The heavily shaded course is surprisingly flat and runs on the ridge on the top of South Mountain with views of NYC. The 3 mile start time is 10 AM. A shorter event will be held for retired running dogs at 9:30.
The race expects heavy competition from two time winner Eric Morse (Berlin, VT) and his West Highland Terrier Murdock. This fleet team travels all over the North East winning every race they enter. 2013 and 2015 women’s winner Tara Gangi and her rat terrier Jesse are registered as is 2014 winner Lauren Santonastaso and mix Macy.
The event is targeted for people that run with their dogs on a regular basis and would like to participate in a race where they are welcome. Most local road races do not allow dogs. Each entry will receive a gift bag and a custom designed-shirt and bandanna. 28 awards will be given for men’s and women’s categories for placement, 1st small and large dog, 1st veteran dog and 1st shelter adopted or rescue dog.
Since the race’s inception in 1997, the race has raised about $180,000 for dog related charities. This year the club is raising money not only to help dogs in need but also to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation in honor of two-time event winner and race committee member, Glenn Hartrick. Glenn suffered a spinal cord injury June 2014 when hit by a car on an early morning bike ride. Glenn is an inspiring athlete, now competing in a hand cycle. In addition to CAF, the race plans to donate proceeds this year to Eleventh Hour Rescue, Home for Good Dog Rescue, Somerset Regional Animal Shelter and the National Canine Cancer Foundation. When hearing of the recent devastating floods in Louisiana, the race sent $1000 to the Companion Animal Alliance in Baton Rouge. You can find links to these charities on the links page of the Hounds and Harriers Run sites.
The race is supported by large national sponsors Morgan Stanley, Science Diet, PetValu, Lakeland Bank and Investors Bank. Local sponsors include Garden State Veterinary Services, Murray Hill Veterinary Associates, Morris Animal Inn, Atlantic Rehabilitation, Madison Animal Hospital, Bark Avenue Mobile Pet Spa, Nielsen Chrysler/Dodge, Skyline Agility Club, SCOR Agility, The Decorating Store (Union), Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, Roxdane Kennels, Total Health Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, Professional Hair Salon & Spa (Livingston), Dr. Robert Gillette (Sports Medicine Veterinarian) and Best Friends Fitness. Camp Gone to the Dogs, a Vermont based camp for dogs and owners also contributed.
Other sponsors are donating in-kind goods and services: Milk Bone, Purina, Merlick’s Town Farm, Express Printing Services, Wyndham Hamilton Park Hotel, the Morristown Running Company, Lupine Pet, Lifetime Fitness, Weyerbacher Brewery, ATT, Iron Doggie, the Perambulating Pet Sitter and Westfield Animal Hospital. The Inn at the Ridge is donating a weekend at a dog-friendly B&B. This year the event is associated with Superhero Events.
Sign up is brisk and entry is limited. Please go to www.HoundsandHarriers.com for more information and to find an application. Online signup available until Fri Oct 7 at noon. You can contact the race director at 973-377-6276 or HoundsAndHarriers@verizon.net with questions.
